Renting accommodation is new territory for many younger students. When you sign up for a property, you are entering a world governed by formal responsibilities, rights, relationships, undertakings ... You don't need to understand everything there is to know about landlord and tenant law - that's for lawyers - but you do need to get a grasp of the basic knowledge that will help ensure your contract is fair; you do what is required to get your deposit back; and your accommodation is kept in good repair.
The information provided here on contracts, deposits, disrepair and energy performance certificates will help you to navigate your way through the formalities and to exercise your rights effectively.
If your landlord is not accredited, you still have a Right of Redress - an independent complaints process. Click here for more info.