When you’re looking for student housing, you might hear a lot about accredited landlords and Codes that set higher standards, but not everyone ends up renting from one. If your landlord isn’t part of a scheme like the Unipol Code for private landlords, or the National Code for purpose‑built student accommodation, that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Unipol is a student housing charity, and we’re here to support all students with independent advice, clear information and help if things don’t go to plan. No matter who you rent from.
How do I check if my landlord is accredited with Unipol?
It’s simple! You can check whether your landlord is Code accredited by using Unipol’s online directory. Search the directory by landlord name or managing agent.
If your landlord is listed, they are Code‑accredited and bound by the Code’s standards and complaints process.
Can Unipol support me if my landlord isn’t Code‑accredited?
Even if your landlord isn’t signed up to the Unipol Code (or any other accreditation scheme), you can still get support from Unipol Student Homes. We’re a student housing charity, which means our advice services are open to all students, regardless of who you rent from.
We can help you with number of issues:
- Helping you understand your tenancy agreements before or after you’ve signed
- Talk through problems like repairs not being done
- Deposit disputes
- Poor communication from your landlord
- Explain your rights in clear, straightforward terms
- And much more
While we can’t enforce standards with non‑Code landlords, we can help you decide what steps to take next, how to raise issues confidently, and where to go if a problem needs to be escalated.
If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re just not sure, getting independent advice early can stop small problems from becoming much bigger ones. Our role is to make sure you’re informed, supported, and not dealing with housing issues on your own.
Unipol works in partnership with advice services across the city, including Students’ Unions, universities, specialist independent organisations and the local authority. If we think you would benefit from support from another service, we’ll discuss this with you first and help arrange a referral where appropriate.
What can’t Unipol do if my landlord isn’t accredited?
If your landlord isn’t signed up to the Unipol Code, there are some limits to what we can do. We can’t require your landlord to meet Code standards, intervene formally on your behalf, or use our complaints and enforcement processes, as these only apply to accredited landlords who have agreed to be held to those standards.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re left without options. While our role in these situations is advisory rather than regulatory, we can still help you understand your rights, talk through what steps you can take, and explain when it might be appropriate to seek support elsewhere.
How can my Students’ Union help with housing problems?
Your Students’ Union (SU) is a great place to get help if you’re having problems with your accommodation. Most SUs offer a free, independent advice service for students who are renting privately, including those whose landlords aren’t Code‑accredited.
SU advisors can help you understand your tenancy agreement, explain what your landlord is legally responsible for, and talk through issues such as repairs, rent, deposits or notice. Because they work independently from landlords and letting agents, their advice is focused on supporting you and protecting your rights.
If you’re not sure what to do next, or you want to sense‑check a situation before taking action, your Students’ Union can provide reassurance and practical guidance. They can also help you decide whether another organisation might be better placed to support you if the issue becomes more serious.
Who should I contact for free, independent legal housing advice?
If you need free, independent legal housing advice, Citizens Advice can be a good place to turn.
They provide confidential guidance for tenants in the private rented sector, including students renting from landlords who aren’t Code‑accredited. Citizens Advice can help you understand what your landlord is legally required to do and explain your rights around issues such as repairs, deposits, rent increases or complaints. Their advice is impartial, reliable and based on current housing law.
This can be especially helpful if a problem has been going on for a while, feels complicated, or you want clear reassurance about where you stand legally before taking your next step.
Who can help if my housing situation feels serious or urgent?
If your housing problem feels serious, stressful or urgent, Shelter can offer specialist support.
Shelter is a national housing charity that helps people who are facing problems such as unsafe living conditions, illegal eviction, threats of homelessness, rent arrears or landlords refusing to carry out essential repairs. Their advice is free and available to students renting privately, including those whose landlords aren’t part of any accreditation scheme. They can explain your rights, help you understand what steps to take, and outline what legal protections apply to your situation.
This can be especially important if you’re worried about being asked to leave your accommodation, your home is affecting your health or safety, or earlier attempts to resolve the issue haven’t worked. Shelter can help you understand what to do next and when urgent action may be needed.
Which service should I go to first?
If you’re not sure where to start, Unipol Student Homes is usually the best first step. We can help you understand your situation, talk through what’s happening, and explain your options, even if your landlord isn’t Code‑accredited.
If you want additional, independent advice that’s separate from student housing organisations, your Students’ Union advice service is another good early option. They’re especially helpful if you want support checking a contract or sense‑checking a problem before taking action.
If your issue feels more complicated or you need clear guidance on your legal rights, Citizens Advice can help you understand where you stand and what steps are available to you under the law.
If your situation feels serious or urgent, or if you’re worried about your safety, eviction or homelessness, Shelter can provide specialist housing support.
If you’re ever unsure, start with advice as early as possible. Getting help sooner can make problems easier to resolve and help you avoid unnecessary stress later on.