How to Check Your Student House is Safe

If you’re searching for student accommodation, this is likely the first time you’ve had to research a property for entirely your own needs. You will need to research local amenities, social events, libraries, transport and, crucially, the safety of both the property and the area you are moving to.

LHA London has been providing affordable housing across London since 1940, adapting to governmental safety regulations and going above and beyond to provide our residents with secure accommodation in the capital. For that reason, we know exactly what you should ask when enquiring about the safety of student housing countrywide. 

Choose a safe area

One of the first things you should do when researching properties is check the local crime statistics to ensure the area itself is safe. This is particularly important in London and other cities across the UK where boroughs that sit right beside each other can vary significantly in relation to safety.

When checking student accommodation in London, you can check the MET police website for available data using the postcode of the property. This will give you access to a breadth of information including the number of crimes reported by street within a certain time period, and the category of those crimes (violence, robbery, drugs, anti-social behaviour, bicycle theft).

It is important, however, to remember that there will always be crimes reported in any area, and the rate in the area you are researching should be compared against other local and national data. 

Staff and security availability 

If you’re moving into shared or hostel style accommodation, then you should enquire about the availability of staff on site. Secure housing will have a member of security available at the property 24 hours. Where this isn’t the case, you should be given a number to contact so you can raise any concerns at any time of day.

Upon enquiry, ask who to notify in the case of:

• An emergency 
• A break in 
• Maintenance concerns 
• Welfare concerns 
• Burst pipes

At LHA London, we have an ironclad complaints procedure, encouraging residents to raise any concerns they may have so everyone feels safe and heard when issues arise. 

Building access 

Student accommodation should offer electronic access to the building. This is most often in the form of a key fob or access card.

Where a large number of individuals have access to the building, electronic access gives the property owners/managers greater control over who can access the building. This is because key fobs are harder to duplicate than keys and, in many cases, are assigned to a certain name, meaning access disputes can be solved more easily. If an unknown person enters the building using a key fob, this can be flagged almost immediately.

Likewise, fob systems prevent lockpickers from easily gaining access to the property.

You should also be given a key to your individual room. It is always your responsibility to keep your fob key safe, but the process to follow if your key is lost or stolen should be clear before you find yourself locked out. Be sure to ask who to contact before settling into your room. 

Fire alarms

When you visit your accommodation, check for the presence of fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms:

Fire alarms: There should be at least one fire alarm located in the shared access area of each story of the building. Oftentimes, it is located at the top of a staircase or in a communal area. In two storey, off campus accommodation, the property should be fitted with Grade D1 fire alarm systems. In off campus accommodation with 3 or more storeys, the property should be fitted with a panel controlled Grade 1 system. In Category LD1 and LD2 properties, additional fire alarms may need to be fitted at emergency exit points and in every habitable room.

Carbon monoxide alarms: These should be fitted in any habitable room with a fixed combustion appliance. It is unlikely that your student accommodation will require one, but it is worth asking to be on the safe side.

All alarms must be tested regularly to make sure they are functioning properly. 

Well lit entrances 

Well positioned lighting can help deter crime and help you see better as you access the building. Check that entrances and car parks in the surrounding areas have adequate lighting when you visit. It’s a simple thing but it can make a big difference. 

Condition of the building 

The condition of the building can give you an immediate indicator on how attentive and proactive the building’s management actually are. When you visit the building to see whether it’s right for you, check for signs of mould, damp, structural damage, lock damage, broken lights, clutter, and general neglect.

When searching for your first student property, you might not know what to look for. That’s why we recommend bringing a parent or guardian for assistance who can keep an eye out for issues and ask any questions you may not think to. 

Proximity to your university campus and transport 

It’s common to prioritise proximity to your university campus for convenience but it also has noticeable safety benefits.

The shorter distance can help you feel safer as you travel home, particularly if you stay late to attend clubs and social events, or make full use of the campus facilities to study. 

Contents insurance 

Some off campus accommodation will offer contents insurance in the overall cost of the room. If your accommodation is subject to an emergency such as a flood, fire, burglary, or leak, you will be able to claim the cost of your damaged items through contents insurance.

This offers you additional protection with minimal input unless something goes wrong.

Contents insurance is not guaranteed in rented accommodation. Therefore, its inclusion in the cost of accommodation is a good sign that the landlord cares about the wellbeing of their residents. 

Speak with residents 

You can check if accommodation is considered safe by speaking with current or previous residents. University forums may have experiences of tenants listed, and you can quickly grab someone during your visit and ask about their experience, if they are comfortable. 

Questions to ask to make sure student accommodation is safe 

Can I view the building before committing? 

You should always feel comfortable asking to view student accommodation before committing to anything. Viewing the property and the rooms available is important as it will give you an idea of the quality of the building and its management, and give an indication as to whether the listings are accurate.

LHA London welcomes you to visit our accommodation either by appointment or during the hours of 11am and 7pm. We will give you a tour of the amenities and services we offer. 

What should I do if I feel unsafe? 

Think twice about accommodation that doesn’t have an immediate answer to this question. 

Who else has access to the building? 

The only people who should have access to the building are other residents, management, security, and on-site staff. If anyone else has access to the building, you have a right to ask further questions about when they have access and why. 

Does the building have CCTV? 

CCTV acts as a deterrent for theft and vandalism. Student accommodation should have CCTV on the front of the property and in appropriate communal areas that is either recorded or monitored for your safety. 

What hours are staff/security available on site? 

Student accommodation should have security teams operating either on site or available operating 24 hours a day. CCTV is a necessary security measure but without a team monitoring it and responding to potential threats, it is meaningless. You are right to ask about this.

Moving to London can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding safe, affordable accommodation. But with a bit of research, some flexibility, and the right resources, you can find a place that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.

At LHA London, our youth hostels can start from as little as £90 a week and there are options for catered accommodation too. All rooms are fully catered with utilities, internet access, contents insurance and 24 hour security.

Our hostels cover all major points on the city’s map and cover your bills too, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs while you focus on building the life you’ve dreamed of.

For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation and don’t forget to check out our offer to discover what we can offer you.

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