Lincoln Students’ Union is dedicated to raising the standards of student accommodation in Lincoln.
We introduced our Housing Accreditation Scheme in 2020, to ensure the properties of our trusted landlords meet our high standards, to give students the best possible experience of renting accommodation in the city. Our Housing Accreditation Scheme is designed to be 100% student-friendly by being fully transparent with what we check and by offering numerous services to help students in Lincoln find the perfect home, no matter their level of study.
When an accommodation provider applies to become a member of the Accreditation Scheme, we ask them to confirm they agree to the standards and terms in our Code of Practice.
We then check all documents relating to their accommodation: tenancy agreement, electrical safety certificate, gas safety certificate, energy rating, HMO licence and fire risk assessments to ensure they are valid and within our minimum standards.
After we check the paperwork, we inspect the property to check the amenities and that there are no hazards.
When all of the criteria stated above are met, the property will be given a certificate of accreditation, signifying that the property is approved by the Students' Union and ensuring students can be confident when renting the property.
If you’d like to learn more about Lincoln Students’ Union Housing Accreditation Scheme, click on the frequently asked questions below. You can also get in touch by emailing us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Accreditation is valid from 1st of October until 31st of July. Every provider re-applies each year and has to fulfil the Accreditation criteria.
Click here to check our list of accredited landlords.
Many of our Accredited properties are managed by landlords who operate international-friendly practices, including not requiring UK guarantors, and not requiring up-front rent.
The properties advertised here are managed by different accommodation providers, so if you see a property you like, get in touch with the landlord using the contact information on the listing to find out what international-friendly options they offer.
All of the properties that we accredit are suitable to students of all levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.
Most landlords and agents will ask for a UK-based guarantor before they will rent to you. If you do not have a suitable guarantor, they may ask you to pay the full amount of your rent for 6-12 months in advance.
An alternative option is to use a Rent Guarantor Service which enables UK and International students with no UK-based guarantor to rent private sector accommodation that may not otherwise be available to them.
Lincoln Students' Union has established a relationship with Housing Hand, a company that offer a fully comprehensive guarantor service available to all students, whether from the UK, Europe or Overseas and regardless of nationality.
It is open to all University of Lincoln students, from Undergraduate to Postgraduate. New students who are not fully enrolled at the University can also access this service. Visit https://my.housinghand.co.uk/register?code=LincolnSU.
Each individual Landlord can provide you with an accessibility overview of their property, and will provide floor plans if requested.
If you see a property you like, get in touch with the landlord using the contact information on the listing to find out if the property is accessible or to arrange a viewing.
Student properties are generally charged per person per room, based on students from different households sharing the accommodation.
If you are moving to Lincoln with dependants, it may be more financially beneficial to look for accommodation in a private residential rental.
You can find all of the currently available Accredited properties on the website.
The properties on the website are managed by different accommodation providers, so if you see a property you are interested in, click to view the details and you will find the contact information for the Landlord.
If you get in touch with them, they will help you arrange a viewing of the property.
If you have any problems with a landlord, we would advise you make an appointment with one of our Advisors at Students’ Union Advice Centre, via contacting [email protected].
The fact that we have accredited these landlords means that we have good working relationships with them. Being part of the scheme means that they have to adhere to the terms of our Code of Practice.
If a landlord is in breach of their agreement this may result in their withdrawal from the scheme.