Tips For Renting To International Students.
June 12, 2015
BRITISH universities are experiencing a boom in foreign students, with the number of international students coming to the country to study having soared by 67% in 10 years.
With the percentage of overseas students at British universities expected to rise from 15 per cent of all students in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2018, this influx presents a real opportunity for letting agents to capitalize on.
But this new chance at a wider tenant base comes with its own set of issues.
First, overseas students are less likely to be able to visit a property before signing a tenancy. We are increasingly seeing agencies use property videos and even the current darling of the tech world Periscope to give guided tours around properties.
Secondly, although they may good at hitting the books, do they know their mould from their mildew? And more significantly, when it comes to their responsibilities, will they understand what you’re talking about?
Ensuring that you’re speaking the same language as your tenant when it comes to reporting problems and repairs is the best way to get ahead in this market. One of the major problems with letting to students, particularly international ones, is a disconnect when it comes to communications. You need to make it crystal clear to your tenants exactly what their responsibilities around the house are, regardless of their nationality.
Fixflo’s online reporting system is available in over 40 languages and lets tenants know exactly what they are responsible for fixing, so you won’t be bothered with calls about changing lightbulbs. It also provides simple self-help steps to fix basic problems so tenants all around the world can be part of their own solutions. A tool like this can prove invaluable to international students who may think that even a basic instruction manual reads like double dutch!
Obviously there are a number of other things to consider when it comes to deciding to enter the student letting market like late night check-ins after they arrive at the airport. Our point is simply that if you do decide to get into this market, don’t be put off the international quotient. In this instance, it might just pay not just to go local…
If you’re a landlord in the student lettings market find an agency in your area who has invested in a Fixflo system to maintain your property more effectively.
You May Also Enjoy
UK Finance Mortgage arrears and possessions Q4 2025
UK Finance today releases its latest mortgage arrears and possessions data for Q4 2025, while highlighting continuing lender support for any customers facing financial difficulty. Key Information The number of homeowner mortgages in arrears fell by four per cent in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter. The number of buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages in arrears…
Read More 
Property compliance experts urge landlords not to ignore major tenancy changes under Renters’ Rights Act
Beresfords property group highlights key actions landlords must take as new tenancy rules, enforcement powers and energy standards approach. UK landlords are being warned not to overlook major changes to tenancy agreements and compliance requirements, as the Government moves closer to implementing the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Following the publication of draft secondary legislation, the…
Read More 
Landlords waiting 25 weeks to repossess properties
The latest research from LegalforLandlords reveals that landlords in England and Wales are waiting significantly longer to regain possession of their properties, with the average timeline increasing by more than 9% over the past year to almost 25 weeks. This comes alongside a continued rise in repossession volumes and ahead of major legislative change in…
Read More 
66% of estate agents have fallen out of love
The latest research by Property DriveBuy, has found that 66% of estate agents across the UK have now fallen out of love with the major property listing portals, as the platform continues the countdown to the end of its free agent access period ahead of a major national marketing campaign. The survey of UK estate…
Read More 
Breaking Property News 12/2/26
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Something Big Is Happening – by Matt Shumer (AI is building the next AI) On February 9th Matt Shumer vocalised many of the thoughts that I hold regarding AI – Pandoras box is wide open ‘This is so important that I reproduce in…
Read More 
UK housing market built for couples
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the latest research from Yopa reveals that couples have a significant advantage when it comes to buying a home, as solo buyers who are trying to get a foot on the ladder find themselves nearly £50,000 short of the amount required to secure the average property based on current mortgage lending…
Read More