Avoiding Bill Disputes
At a glance Name all tenants on utility accounts to share legal responsibility equally. Agree on a target thermostat temperature […]
Housing Editor · UniSorted
Articles by Tom Okafor
Tom read Law at Sheffield and is UniSorted's Housing Editor. He spent three years in shared student houses and won a deposit-dispute case at TDS adjudication. He covers accommodation searches, tenancy agreements, deposit protection, bill splits, landlord disputes, and council tax. His tenant-rights guides cite Citizens Advice and Shelter directly. Contact: tom@unisorted.co.uk
Council Tax Rules for Students
Quick summary 100% exemption: Full-time students do not pay any council tax if everyone in the property is a student.
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
Broadband Comparison
Compare total contract costs and choose 12-month deals to match your student tenancy. Aim for 50-100 Mbps, budget for April price increases, and check fibre coverage for the best student broadband in 2026.
Splitting Bills with Housemates
At a glance Distribute utility accounts among different housemates to prevent one person carrying all the financial risk. £124.08 is
Setting Up Bills
Quick summary Read your meters the exact day you collect your keys to avoid paying for previous tenants. Apply for
Housemate Agreements
What to know Create a written document outlining cleaning, bills, and guest rules before you move in. Understand that housemate
Avoiding Bad Landlords
The short version Check the national rogue landlord database before paying any holding deposit. Inspect properties in person to identify
Repairs and Maintenance Rules
At a glance 1 May 2026 is the deadline when Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are officially banned under the new
Student Tenant Rights
New laws in 2026 will significantly change student tenant rights, 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.
