The Unipol Code for Shared Student Housing
Ensuring high standards in the private rented sector
Unipol has a Code of Standards for shared student housing in the private rented sector. Its provisions go substantially beyond legal minimum requirements for owners. The scheme has the approval of both universities and their students' unions.
Types of Unipol Code Membership (Full Member and Supporter status for Managing Agents)
Landlords can sign up to become full members of the Unipol Code. When a landlord becomes a full member of the Unipol Code, they declare that all of their properties meet the Code's standards. Students can check to see if their landlord has signed up to be a full member of the Unipol Code by clicking here.
In addition, Unipol has recently launched a new scheme specifically for managing agents called 'Supporter of the Unipol Code'. Students can check to see if their agent has signed up as a Supporter of the Code by clicking here.
There is also a National Code of Standards for Larger Developments (over 15 students) and details are available by clicking here.
Key Advantages of The Unipol Code
- clearly written, reasonable terms with no catches and no hidden costs, given in advance of signing a contract
- a guarantee of no demands for deposits or rent before signing up
- a guaranteed opportunity to view properties
- a copy of all agreements to be supplied to tenants by the owner
- accommodation facilities and furniture to meet a set standard of comfortable living and study needs
- safe energy supply and safe accommodation which permits hygienic maintenance
- the owners' undertaking to get reported repair work done quickly and efficiently
- set rules, notified in writing to tenants, for issuing receipts, for ending tenancies and for gaining access to do maintenance inspections
- the owner's commitment to courteous, professional dealings without racist, sexist or other prejudice
- framework for dealing with complaints and resolving disputes
- a starred standard for a higher amenity level
It is strongly in your interests to join The Unipol Code if you are an owner
and sign with a Unipol Code Owner if you are a tenant.
The Unipol Code runs alongside the Leeds City Council Code of Standards for Private Rented Housing and owners can apply for this at the time of joining the Unipol Code free of charge.
Whats in the Unipol Code?
The Unipol Code covers a wide range of issues effecting student tenancy from the tenancy agreement, to the fixtures, fittings and furnishings in the house. The Code also covers repair guidelines and there is a complaints process. For full details of what is in the Unipol Code, see the "Full Code" tab on the left hand side of the page. Hard copies of the Unipol Code are available from the Unipol Bureau.
How do Unipol ensure the Unipol Code is met by members and supporters?
Unipol run a verfication programme for both full members of the Code, and for Supporters of the Code. To find out what this entails click here for Full Members, or click here for Supporters of the Code
How do I apply to become a member or supporter?
If you are an owner and wish to have further details about how to join The Unipol Code click here.
If you are a managing agent and you would like further details about how you can join the Code or be a supporter of the Code click here.
How do I apply if I have a larger development?
The Unipol Code runs alongside National Code of Standards for Larger Developments (over 15 students) and details are available by clicking here.