Accommodation Information –

Click the link to go to the Chichester college group accommodation page

Halls information

To assist you in navigating the private rented sector, we’ve produced this guide.

Letting Agents –

According to the law, letting agents must sign up with a government regulatory organisation and/or a recognised consumer redress programme. If customers are dissatisfied with the way their complaint has been handled by the agent, they will have access to an escalated complaints system. As letting agencies must pay a fee to join and adhere to a set of standards, the schemes provide a good indicator of how they conduct their business.

1. Association of Residential Letting Agencies (ARLA PropertyMark) – www.arla.co.uk
2. The Property Ombudsman (TPO) – www.tpos.co.uk
3. The Property Redress Scheme – (PRS) www.theprs.co.uk
4. Ombudsman Services – www.ombudsman-services.org

Most letting agents will advertise on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla. Always verify that they are a part of one of the mentioned programmes by visiting their website or Propertymark (www.propertymark.co.uk).

Private Landlords –

Instead of using an agency, some landlords choose to independently market their rental properties. Renting directly from a landlord has benefits, such as the chance to bargain, the ability to speak with them directly, and in some cases, a lower rent.

Lodging/Homestay –

Renting a room in someone’s home is a form of lodging; this is often referred to as a homestay. This indicates that the owner will reside in the same home and may be described as a “resident landlord” or “host.”

Students who want shorter stays and more flexible contracts can consider this. This can serve as a landing area while you search for more permanent housing.
Several external websites host advertisements for resident landlords. Below is a list of a few private websites where you can look for this kind of lodging:

1. Homestay – https://www.homestay.com
2. Homestay In – www.homestayin.com

Advice –

Although this guide is packed with advice, if you still need assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

1. Never give out your bank or personal identification information online. Always receive a receipt when making a payment and avoid paying with cash. Be wary of online frauds, such as the use of money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Only provide this information to the landlord or agency once you have met them in person. Services for sending money are not intended for any type of transaction involving an unknown party.
2. Offers that seem too good to be true should be avoided. The rental rate is somewhat below market average, and the deal appears to be considerably better than anything else available in the neighbourhood for the same price.
3. Don’t respond to adverts if the landlord is out of the country and unable to meet you or show you the property. Be aware of overly detailed ads that promise a lot and vague ads with few details.
4. Avoid signing a formal agreement or paying a deposit until you have actually inspected the home.

Housemate Finder –

Putting you in touch with other house-hunting students

If you are looking for student accommodation, you can get in touch with other students who are looking for accommodation with our Housemate Finder group on Facebook.

If you have accepted the offer of a place to study at Northbrook College, you will be sent instructions for joining the group. This Facebook group is for students who will be aged 18 or over when they start their course.

Please make sure you have ‘firmly’ accepted an offer of a place to study at Northbrook College in order to receive joining instructions.

If you would like more advice or have any questions please get in chat with us on our contact page.