We have recently become aware of varying social media pages and websites that target UAL students, promoting subletting. Our service is here to help you navigate the vast world of student accommodation.

It is important that as students you are able to verify if a page is made by the University or SU, especially if the page is suggesting that they give advice. Additionally, there may be pages that state that they are run by UAL students or other professional services, but this may not always be the case. 

Here is some handy information about how you can fact check this: 

• Stick to using trustworthy pages that are run by the University/SU or other professional services that we share. For example: 

• UAL/Arts SU Housing Group Official - our official housing Facebook group where UAL students can advertise their spare rooms or look for flat mates to buddy up with. 

• University of London Housing Services (ULHS) are a service that all UAL students have access to. They provide reputable housing advice and have an accommodation search platform. All properties available to view on this platform are from trusted agencies that are happy to offer student lets. 

• Review our guidance on how to spot a housing scam here: Housing Scams: The Latest. There are lots of ways you can verify the authenticity of an estate agent, landlord and property. If you are in doubt, please do get in touch with us (contact details at the bottom of the page).   

Secondly, if you are considering subletting in any capacity, we would encourage you to ensure that your contract (or the contract of the person you are subletting from) explicitly allows this. Many landlords/estate agents prohibit subletting all together and so by breaking this rule, there is serious personal risk.   

What is subletting?

• Subletting is when you find a new tenant for your room (subtenant) and the subtenant pays rent to you and you continue to pay rent to your landlord. 

• Subletting essentially gives you the responsibility of a landlord toward the subtenant, meaning that you are responsible for any damage caused to the property by them. 

• If you are the subtenant, the person that you sublet from usually acts as the landlord. 

• Many people sublet without permission from their landlord/estate agent which can mean that your landlord can take action to evict both parties. 

• It is important to get written consent from your landlord and any flat mates before subletting. 

More information about subletting and its implications can be found here: 

Your rights if you sublet from someone - Citizens Advice 

Subletting from another tenant - Shelter England 

Do remember that the SU Advice service is here to help. We offer housing advice on matters such as:

• Contract checking 

• Deposit returns 

• Disrepair issues 

• Landlord complaints 

You can get in touch with our service by submitting an enquiry or booking an appointment. If you’re looking for further guidance in the meantime, do check out our housing hub webpages here.