The Students’ Union is set to launch a new housing accreditation scheme that will help students choose reputable housing, starting 11 September.
This comes after some landlords and estate agents across Lincoln did not adhere to students’ interests during the COVID-19 pandemic, with several allegedly passing on their responsibilities and claiming that the University of Lincoln should pay for rent amid the lockdown, according to the Students’ Union.
The new scheme will highlight ‘student-approved’ housing, in an effort to give those at the university more insight into where they choose to live.
Lucy Krogdhal, VP of wellbeing and community, said: “Students will know that if a property is a member of the Students’ Union scheme, then their fellow students have ‘approved’ the property and the experience of living there.”
“Housing and accommodation are such a huge part of the student experience; students must have independent support from the SU in this area.”
Any houses that are to be listed in the scheme will be required to meet a strict set of criteria, including safety and quality checks, and a track record of high levels of service and communication.
All of these elements will be based on student feedback and assessment.
“We are putting students at the heart of this accreditation scheme. This means that students can feel confident when choosing property to rent,” said Ms Krogdhal.
Students will also be able to receive advice on their accommodation options and assistance with concerns about their housing rights and landlords’ responsibilities.
Students at the University of Lincoln have already shared their thoughts on the new scheme. They asked to remain anonymous.
“I think this scheme will be really good for younger students who haven’t had experience in choosing properties to rent,” one person said.
“When you’re looking for a house, you don’t necessarily think about what the landlord is going to be like. I think it’s great that the SU are supporting students.”
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“It’s reassuring to know that people who have lived in a house before have approved of it and the landlord,” said another person.
“It will make the prospect of moving less stressful, especially for first-time renters.”
The Students’ Union says that if landlords do not act in students’ interests, they will lose their place in the scheme and will not be able to lease their property through them.
“Good landlords and agents will not need worry as we will work with credible suppliers who understand that student experience is important; those who don’t will not be permitted to join the scheme.”
The University of Lincoln has previously worked with local landlords and letting agencies to ensure well-managed and safe housing for students.
With the new scheme, the Students’ Union, which is a separate organisation to the university, will be offering a similar service in the upcoming term.
More information about the scheme and how it will be implemented will be released by the Students’ Union in the future.