It is Now Even Easier to Choose a Code Landlord or Agent

There have recently been a number of changes in the operation of the Unipol Code and particularly the Supporters scheme. Verification has been increased and criteria have been tightened and enforced. The web pages dealing with the Code have also be rewritten to make it easier to understand how important using the Code is when choosing a house.

90% of all complaints that Unipol receive about student housing come from the 30% of unaccredited landlords. It really is best to rent from a Code landlord or agent (shown either as green or blue on the website and always listed first). The universities, colleges and students' unions all recommend renting from a Code landlord or agent.

You can check to see whether your housing supplier has joined the Code here. Shared Student Housing and Larger Developments.

There are now 11 (soon rising to 16) managing agents in Leeds who have full Code status, which means all their student houses meet the standards of the Code. If renting from an agent these agents are recommended.

Unipol also has Supporter status for those agents working towards full Code membership and these agents should be given preference over agents which have not joined any scheme and further details can be found here.

All Code members are verified and Unipol inspects 1 in 5 houses from each landlord every three years to see that they meet standards, Last year (2011) Unipol inspected over 950 houses making sure that they met the standards (those that do not are reinspected to see that any necessary works or system have been completed properly or membership is refused).

In order to help students differentiate between Code properties there is a star rating system and one, three or five stars are awarded depending on amenity levels within the property. Find out more here.