Accommodation

Accommodation lodgings studentsLodgings

These are rooms in private houses where the landlord or landlady lives on the premises. They are normally family households although some owners are students themselves. Some owners will take in more than one student, and some are the parents of current students who have purchased a house in the area.

House rules can vary considerably so it's best to talk these issues over with the owner before deciding to take a room.  You may be asked to sign a set of house rules which is quite normal, but if you are presented with a tenancy agreement, do not sign it as lodgings are not covered by Thr Landlord & Tenant Act.

Lodgings can be ideal for students coming to Portsmouth from overseas, as they tend to offer a more secure, family atmosphere. This option could also be good for the first few months whilst you find your way around the University and meet people.

Lower cost

Lodgings may be a good choice for those on a restricted budget because rent is paid weekly in most cases and it may be possible to negotiate a reduction for holiday periods. Apart from telephone bills, there should be no further bills to pay. Board may be 'room only' or 'half board'.

Students are personally responsible for paying householders' charges. Neither householder nor student is asked to enter into any commitment as to the period of the stay. If rent is paid weekly the normal requirement is 7 days notice, in writing. The weekly charge should cover the cost of heating, lighting, hot water and the use of kitchen facilities as necessary.

Vacancies

Go to PortsmouthStudentPad.co.uk and search for the latest lodgings vacancies online.  PortsmouthStudentPad.co.uk is the only official database of properties registered to advertise with Student Housing and the University of Portsmouth.  All lodgings on PortsmouthStudentPad have to meet the Student Housing registration criteria and be inspected by a Student Housing Officer before they are allowed to be advertised.

Our criteria

All the rooms have been inspected by us and meet the following criteria:

  • Only single study bedrooms are accepted
  • Each bedroom must contain a desk or work surface large enough for study purposes and a suitable chair
  • There must be adequate hanging and drawer space
  • Heating appliances must be firmly secured
  • Smoke detectors must be provided on each floor
  • Students should be able to live as part of the family unit if it is feasible