Tom Okafor

Housing Editor

Tom Okafor covers student housing: tenancies, deposits, guarantors, bills and council tax. Writing here since September 2025. Got a tenancy problem? tom@unisorted.co.uk

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Cleaning Checklist

What to know Cleaning was claimed in 54% of the deposit disputes handled by the TDS insured scheme in England

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Avoiding Bill Disputes

The quick read Name every tenant on the utility accounts so the debt does not sit with one person. But

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Energy Saving Tips

What to know Household bills are the third-largest monthly student expense after rent and groceries, at £124.08 per month (NatWest

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Splitting Bills with Housemates

Top-line Distribute utility accounts among different housemates to prevent one person carrying all the financial risk. £124.08 is the average

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Setting Up Bills

Quick summary Read your meters the exact day you collect your keys to avoid paying for previous tenants. Apply for

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Housemate Agreements

What to know Create a written document outlining cleaning, bills, and guest rules before you move in. Understand that housemate

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Avoiding Bad Landlords

The short version Check the council’s licence register, and in London the Mayor’s rogue landlord checker, before paying any holding

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Repairs and Maintenance Rules

Headline facts 1 May 2026 is the date Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions ended in England under the Renters’ Rights Act,

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Student Tenant Rights

The Renters’ Rights Act changed student tenant rights from 1 May 2026, ending fixed-term contracts and Section 21 evictions for most private rentals. Learn how to protect your deposit, limit advance rent, and report ignored repair requests.

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