Private Accommodation
Although we encourage our students to choose UNIC recommended accommodation, we understand that not everyone wants to live in a student residence, therefore we hope that the following information helps you research your options.
Please note that Navitas does not promote any of the following estate agents and websites, this information is just to assist you in finding accommodation.
Whilst there are no purpose built student managed residences, Northampton has many estate agents specialising in student accommodation.
The University of Northampton Accommodation Office provides a service to assist you in finding your house or flat. Please go to www.northamptonstudentpad.co.uk/Accommodation
The University of Northampton International College may receive a fee when offering to refer students to accommodation through LetsRent however students are free to choose accommodation most appropriate to their individual requirements and the college will support them accordingly.
Although steps are taken to ensure that the accommodation advertised is safe, the rooms and self-contained houses/flats are not inspected. You are strongly advised to ensure that the accommodation and the terms offered by landlords meet your needs before entering into a tenancy agreement. We recommend that you ask for a written receipt for a deposit. Where possible always view the property before committing to any payment. Some landlords will hold DASH accreditation. This is to encourage and promote good property standards and management practices in the private rented sector.
For further information please click on the following link:
www.dashservices.org.uk/Accreditation#sthash.rwJmMjRO.dpuf
Helpful tips
Before you start your search you may want to consider the following questions:
- Do I want to share with any people?
- Shall I live with a host family?
- Do I prefer to live alone?
Perhaps the most important consideration is your budget. How much you have to spend each month will define your property search.
You will also need to check whether the rent also includes utility bills.
It is very important that you consider not only the distance of the property from the campus but also how you will travel to and from the campus.
- Is there a local bus service near to the property?
- How frequent is the service?
- Is it a direct service to the campus?
- How much is public transportation?
Further information can be found at www.unobus.info.
Letting agents
The list below specialises in finding student accommodation.
Claysons Property Management
327A Wellingborough Road, NN1 4EW
T 01604 628602/07736184208
Key Home Lets
78 Kingsley Terrace, Kingsley, NN2 7HH
T 01604 712200
Underwoods
16 St. Giles Street, Northampton, NN1 1JA
T 01604 232400
W www.underwoods-property.co.uk
Stonhills
10 Bridge Street, Northampton, NN1 1NW
T 01604 624424
J P Lettings
211 Wellingborough Road, NN1 4ED
T 01604 450390
Martin and Co
8 Bridge Street, Northampton, NN1 1NW
T 01604 239389
W www.martinco.com/lettings-agents/northampton
HP Lettings
19 Penfold Close, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2 8AP
T 01604 846653/821688
StuRents: https://sturents.com/
Rightmove Student Accommodation: Student Accommodation - Find Student Flats & Houses across the UK (rightmove.co.uk)
SpareRoom Student Accommodation: SpareRoom for flatshare, house share, flat share & rooms for rent
The majority of agents will expect someone to act on your behalf as guarantors. This means that they agree to co-sign the tenancy agreement and become jointly liable for any tenant obligations.
All agencies will charge a deposit, the amount will vary. In some cases you may be required to pay an additional month’s rent and the money will be used to secure the property. In the case of overseas students some agents will ask for a deposit which equates to up to six months’ rent in lieu of a UK based guarantor.
The deposit will be refundable, provided that there is no damage to the property and if you stay to the end of your tenancy agreement.
It is important that you read and understand the terms of your agreement.
You may also want to check the local papers — The Chronicle and Echo are also a good resource to search for properties: www.northamptonchron.co.uk/property.