With A-Level results published and university places confirmed the focus for many students has turned to securing accommodation.
But new research suggests that the process leaves large numbers of young renters anxious and ill-prepared, prompting calls for greater education and support.
Rental services provider Housing Hand surveyed 1,700 private renters for its Understanding Renters in 2025 report. It found that a quarter of people felt overwhelmed when looking for their first home, while 22% reported feeling uncertain and 21% anxious.
Only 4% of students found their current property through a university or student union, with many describing the process of securing accommodation and landlord approval as “exhausting”.
KNOWLEDGE GAPS
The survey highlighted significant knowledge gaps around tenancy basics. Just 30% of students were aware of deposit-free rental schemes, 47% knew about deposit protection and only a third understood how long it should take to reclaim a deposit.
The role of guarantors also remains poorly understood, with 38% of students saying they did not know what a guarantor was when first asked to provide one.
Graham Hayward, managing director of Housing Hand, says: “Students’ lack of rental sector experience often puts them at a disadvantage compared to other renters.
“Parents too often lack up-to-date knowledge, which makes the process stressful and can result in some students missing out on the property they want.
“More needs to be done to educate future renters on the fundamentals of renting a home before they even start their search.”
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
The report also revealed that 82% of renters wished financial education in schools had been better, with most students relying on family, friends or online sources for housing advice.
Awareness of the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill is low, with only 27% of students familiar with the legislation, raising concerns that upcoming reforms could add to confusion.
RISING DEMAND
The findings carry wider implications for landlords and universities, both of which are under pressure amid rising demand for accommodation and ongoing affordability issues in the student rental market.
Shortages in purpose-built student housing have already pushed more undergraduates into the private sector, where competition for properties is intensifying.
Alongside financial concerns, wellbeing is also an issue. In response, Housing Hand has launched a free 24/7 health and wellbeing service for renters who use its guarantor product, including access to GP services, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
SUPPORTING STUDENT RENTERS
James Maguire, the firm’s Sales and Business Development Director, adds: “We want to do all we can to support student renters with the emotional side of living away from home.
“As such, we are delighted to make video and phone GP services, plus mental health support including counselling sessions and award-winning online CBT courses, available to all renters who use Housing Hand as their guarantor.
“We want ‘A’ Level results day to be the end of the anxiety that many students are feeling right now, not the start of a whole new period of worry for students – and their parents – about the emotional and financial strain of university life.”
