What Landlords Wish Students Knew: Behind the Front Door of Student Rentals

Renting a student house can feel like a rite of passage. From learning how to split bills to figuring out what on earth a boiler pressure gauge is, student life outside the lecture hall is full of lessons. 

But while students have their fair share of gripes about landlords, the truth is, landlords have a list too – of things they wish students knew before moving in.

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a friendly peek behind the scenes – because when both sides understand each other better, everyone’s lives are smoother, homes are happier, and deposits are more likely to be returned in full.

1. We’re Not All Trying to Keep Your Deposit

Let’s start with the big one: the deposit. Most landlords genuinely don’t want to hold back your deposit – it’s more hassle than it’s worth. 

The truth is, deductions often come down to wear and tear that could have been avoided, or basic cleaning that should have been done before check-out.

The tip? Take photos when you move in and when you leave. Communicate early if damage happens. And most importantly, read your tenancy agreement – it usually spells out exactly what’s expected when you check out. 

Cleaning up properly might be boring after exams, but it can save hundreds of pounds and a lot of stress.

2. Maintenance Isn’t Magic – But Communication Helps

Lightbulbs, leaks, mould patches – things go wrong in every home. But sometimes landlords feel like students expect instant fixes via telepathy. If something’s broken, say so – early and clearly. Most landlords or letting agents can’t fix what they don’t know about.

Here’s a pro tip: send photos when reporting an issue. A picture of the dripping tap or cracked tile makes it easier to prioritise and get the right tradesperson in without delay. 

And yes, sometimes things take a few days to sort – it’s not us dragging our feet, it’s often waiting on parts, appointments, or contractors.

3. Respect the Property (Even If It’s Not Yours)

Student homes aren’t five-star hotels, but they’re still someone’s investment – and often, someone else’s future home. Landlords notice when tenants treat the property with basic respect, and it makes them far more likely to go the extra mile.

That doesn’t mean living like a saint – just a little consideration. Don’t stick posters to every wall with masking tape, don’t try to “fix” broken furniture yourself with superglue, and don’t leave food or bin bags lying around for weeks. 

Even minor things like wiping up spills or keeping bathroom ventilation on can make a real difference to the condition of the property over time.

4. We Do Notice Good Tenants (And It Can Help You)

Most landlords work with letting agents and often ask them, “Were they good tenants?” when a tenancy ends. 

It’s not just about cleaning – it’s about communication, care, and reliability. Being a good tenant might not win you a prize, but it can get you a better reference, faster deposit return, or even first pick on next year’s rentals.

Some landlords even offer loyalty perks, like rolling over tenancies with no rent increase or doing property upgrades for returning tenants. So if you like your house and plan to stay another year, being on good terms might just work in your favour.

5. Things Like Mould and Damp Aren’t Always Our Fault

This one’s a classic point of tension. Mould in student homes is a common issue – but it’s not always down to a faulty property. 

A lot of the time, it’s about lifestyle habits: drying clothes indoors, not opening windows, turning off extractor fans. These things trap moisture and lead to condensation – which leads to mould.

That doesn’t mean landlords are off the hook. It’s our job to ensure proper insulation, heating, and ventilation. But students can help too. A quick morning window open, keeping the bathroom fan on after showers, and not blocking air vents can make a world of difference.

6. We Actually Want to Be on Good Terms

Believe it or not, landlords don’t want to be your enemy. We’re not waiting in the shadows with a clipboard ready to charge you £300 for a broken lampshade. 

Most of us want long-term, low-maintenance tenancies with happy tenants.

That means communication matters. If you’re struggling with rent, having flatmate issues, or thinking of moving out early – talk to us. The earlier we know, the more flexible we can be. And if you’ve got suggestions (like a new toaster or a better lock on the back gate), we’re often happy to listen.

Final Thoughts: We’ve Been There Too

Here’s something students might not realise: many landlords were once students themselves. 

We know what it’s like to live on cheap pasta, burn toast regularly, and have to Google how to bleed a radiator. Renting your first student house is a big learning curve – but it doesn’t have to be a battlefield.

Respect the space, speak up when there’s a problem, and treat the property like you’d want yours to be treated. If students and landlords work together instead of against each other, everyone gets to enjoy a smoother, less stressful uni year – without deposit drama or broken boiler chaos.

So, from a reasonable landlord to today’s tenants: we’re rooting for you. Just please, don’t paint the living room walls neon green.