A recent survey highlights a significant disparity in how safe students feel living in private rented accommodation compared to purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The findings reveal that students residing in private homes report a notably lower sense of security, raising important considerations for landlords and agents managing student properties.

Safety Perceptions Among Student Tenants

According to research conducted by purpose-built housing provider Here! Students, 75% of students living in PBSA feel safe in their accommodation. In contrast, only 56% of those renting privately share this sentiment. This gap in perceived safety also influences overall satisfaction, with 67% of PBSA residents rating their stay positively compared to just 51% of private renters.

A spokesperson for Here! Students emphasised the importance of safety beyond simply providing shelter: “Finding the right accommodation is about more than having a roof over your head. It’s about feeling safe, supported and being able to focus on your studies knowing you have a home you can rely on.” They further noted that for parents, universities, and policymakers, these findings underscore that high-quality student housing is essential rather than a luxury.

Security Features in PBSA Versus Private Rentals

The survey sheds light on specific security provisions that contribute to students’ feelings of safety. PBSA rooms are almost twice as likely to have lockable bedroom doors, with 59% equipped compared to 31% in private student homes. Lockable windows are present in 48% of PBSA properties, whereas only 30% of private rentals offer this feature.

Additional security measures such as CCTV are found in 27% of PBSA sites, more than double the 12% reported in private accommodation. Smart doorbells appear in 29% of PBSA locations but only 13% of private homes. Secure entry systems and door viewers also show a similar trend, with 31% and 30% in PBSA respectively, compared to 17% and 21% in private rentals.

Geographical Variations in Student Safety

The survey identifies notable differences in perceived safety across UK cities. Sheffield ranks lowest for safety in both PBSA and private rentals, with only 69% of PBSA residents and 44% of private renters feeling safe. Manchester and Birmingham follow with 66% and 73% safety levels respectively in PBSA.

Conversely, Oxford reports the highest safety perception at 88%, followed by Liverpool at 80% and Leeds at 78% in PBSA. When focusing solely on private lets, Nottingham stands out with 65% of students feeling safe, the highest among private rental locations surveyed.

What this means for landlords

These findings highlight the critical role landlords and letting agents play in ensuring student tenants feel secure in their homes. Enhancing security features such as lockable doors and windows, CCTV, and secure entry systems can significantly improve tenant confidence and satisfaction. Given the clear preference for PBSA in terms of safety, private landlords may need to consider upgrading security provisions to remain competitive and meet tenant expectations.

Improving safety not only benefits students but can also reduce turnover and enhance the reputation of landlords managing student properties. With universities and policymakers recognising the importance of quality student housing, landlords who prioritise security are better positioned to attract and retain tenants in this market segment.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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