What Happens If You Don’t Like Your Accommodation?

Moving into university accommodation does not always feel exciting and comfortable immediately.

You may arrive to find that:

• Your room is smaller than expected

• Your flat is noisier than you hoped

• You do not connect with your flatmates

• The kitchen is already untidy

• You feel homesick

• Your accommodation is far from your lectures

• The building does not suit your accessibility needs

• Repairs have not been completed

• The rent is becoming unaffordable

Some problems improve once you settle in, establish routines and get to know the people around you.

Other problems require formal action.

You should not be expected to remain in accommodation that is unsafe, inaccessible or seriously affecting your health. However, moving out without following the correct process can leave you responsible for rent.

This guide explains how to identify the problem, ask for help, request a room transfer, make a complaint and explore leaving your accommodation legally.

Important: Accommodation contracts and housing law differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read your own agreement and get housing advice before moving out, stopping rent or serving notice.

Is It Normal Not to Like Your Accommodation at First?

Yes.

The first days or weeks can feel uncomfortable even when there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the accommodation.

You may be adjusting to:

• Living away from home

• Sharing facilities

• Meeting new people

• Cooking and cleaning independently

• A different city

• A new routine

• Less privacy

• Noise

• Managing money

• Beginning your course

It is common to compare your experience with other students who appear to have immediately found their best friends, decorated a perfect room and developed an effortless social life.

What you see online is not necessarily the full experience.

Give yourself time when the problem is mainly:

• Initial awkwardness with flatmates

• Mild homesickness

• Unfamiliarity with the area

• A room that does not yet feel personal

• Nervousness about shared facilities

• Worry that everybody else is settling in faster

Try making small changes before deciding that the accommodation is completely wrong.

Signs You May Need More Than Time to Settle

You should act sooner when the problem involves:

• Threats or violence

• Sexual harassment

• Stalking

• Discrimination

• Theft

• Serious bullying

• Unsafe electrical or gas installations

• Fire-safety concerns

• Severe damp or mould

• No heating or hot water

• Broken external locks

• Pest infestation

• Serious overcrowding

• Accommodation that does not meet essential disability needs

• Repeated disruption that prevents sleep or study

• Rent you cannot afford

• A provider refusing to address significant problems

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator notes that accommodation problems can have a substantial impact on students, even though accommodation complaints form only a small proportion of the cases it receives.

You do not need to wait for a serious issue to become unbearable before asking for help.

Start by Identifying the Exact Problem

Before contacting the accommodation provider, write down what is wrong.

Try to separate general unhappiness from specific issues that can be addressed.

Instead of:

I hate living here.

Identify:

Music from the flat above continues until 3am several nights each week.

Or:

The shower has not worked for ten days despite three maintenance reports.

Or:

The room is not wheelchair accessible, although accessible accommodation was agreed before I arrived.

Specific information makes it easier for the provider to offer a practical solution.

Common Accommodation Problems and Possible Solutions

Problem	Possible first action
Homesickness	Speak to student support and build a routine
Awkward flatmate relationships	Arrange a calm conversation or mediation
Noise	Speak to residents and use the formal reporting process
Dirty communal areas	Agree a rota and contact residential staff if needed
Broken facilities	Submit a written maintenance report
Damp or mould	Report it with photographs and request inspection
Unsuitable accessible room	Contact disability and accommodation teams
Unaffordable rent	Contact the university money team before missing payment
Harassment or threats	Contact security, accommodation staff or police
Wrong room type	Compare the allocation with your booking and complain promptly
Wanting to move	Ask about transfers, waiting lists and contract liability
Wanting to leave entirely	Check your contract and get housing advice

Keep Evidence

Create a clear record from the beginning.

Keep:

• Your accommodation contract

• Booking confirmation

• Room description

• Photographs

• Videos

• Repair reports

• Emails

• Complaint responses

• Rent records

• Dates and times of incidents

• Names of staff you spoke to

• Medical or professional evidence where relevant

When reporting a recurring problem, record each occasion.

For example:

Date	Problem	Action taken	Response
18 September	No hot water	Reported online	Ticket acknowledged
20 September	Still no hot water	Emailed reception	Contractor promised
23 September	Problem continues	Formal complaint	Awaiting response

Evidence helps the provider understand the scale of the problem and supports a formal complaint if the issue is not resolved.

Speak to the Right Person

Who you contact depends on where you live.

In University Halls

Contact:

• Residential adviser

• Hall manager

• Accommodation office

• Maintenance team

• University security

• Student wellbeing

• Disability service

• Students’ union advice team

Universities commonly provide accommodation teams, maintenance-reporting systems, residential staff and security services for students living in halls.

In Private Student Halls

Contact:

• Building reception

• Accommodation manager

• Maintenance team

• Provider’s complaints department

• University accommodation office, when the room was nominated by the university

• National accommodation code, where the provider is a member

In a Private House or Flat

Contact:

• Landlord

• Letting agent

• University private-housing adviser

• Students’ union

• Local council housing team

• Citizens Advice

• Shelter

Always report important issues in writing, even when you first discuss them by telephone or in person.

Send a follow-up such as:

Thank you for speaking with me today. I am confirming that I reported the broken external lock and was told it would be repaired by Friday.

What If You Feel Homesick?

Homesickness does not necessarily mean you chose the wrong accommodation or university.

It can involve:

• Missing family or friends

• Feeling uncomfortable around strangers

• Finding independent living overwhelming

• Comparing your experience with other students

• Wanting to return to familiar routines

Try:

• Creating a regular daily routine

• Leaving your room each day

• Eating at regular times

• Attending course sessions

• Joining one society or activity

• Scheduling calls home

• Exploring the local area

• Inviting a flatmate for coffee or food

• Speaking to your personal tutor

• Using university wellbeing support

Avoid travelling home every weekend during the first few weeks if this prevents you from developing a routine at university.

However, there is no rule requiring you to remain miserable to prove that you are independent. Support from home can be valuable.

What If You Do Not Get Along with Your Flatmates?

Not connecting with your flatmates is disappointing, but it does not mean the year is ruined.

You can build friendships through:

• Your course

• Societies

• Sports

• Volunteering

• Part-time work

• Student events

• Other residents in the building

You only need a workable and respectful relationship with the people you live with.

When the problem involves behaviour rather than friendship, describe it specifically.

For example:

• Food is being taken.

• Guests are staying constantly.

• Communal areas are not being cleaned.

• Music continues late at night.

• Flatmates enter your room without permission.

• Shared bills are not being paid.

Read Living with Flatmates [Living with Flatmates] for practical ways to address shared-living problems.

Try a Calm Conversation

For minor disagreements:

1. Choose a calm time.

2. Speak privately where possible.

3. Describe the behaviour.

4. Explain its effect.

5. Request a clear change.

6. Listen to the other person.

7. Confirm what you agree.

For example:

There have been several large groups in the kitchen after midnight, and I have not been able to sleep. Can we agree that gatherings end by 11pm on weekdays?

Avoid beginning with personal insults or collecting support from every other flatmate before speaking to the person involved.

Ask for Mediation

When direct conversations have not worked, ask whether the university or provider offers mediation.

A mediator can help residents agree practical arrangements around:

• Noise

• Guests

• Cleaning

• Food

• Shared spaces

• Communication

• Personal boundaries

Mediation may be offered by:

• Residential staff

• Accommodation manager

• Students’ union

• University wellbeing team

• Independent housing adviser

Mediation is not appropriate when there are threats, harassment, violence or a serious power imbalance.

You should not be required to sit in a room and negotiate with somebody you fear.

What If Your Flatmates Are Too Noisy?

Begin by checking:

• Accommodation quiet hours

• Noise policy

• Local reporting process

• Whether the noise is occasional or persistent

For a one-off issue, a polite request may be enough.

For repeated disruption:

1. Keep a noise diary.

2. Record dates and times.

3. Report incidents through the official channel.

4. Ask security or residential staff to attend while the noise is happening.

5. Make a written complaint if the problem continues.

Do not put yourself at risk by confronting a large group or intoxicated residents alone.

Universities may have security teams, residential advisers and rules governing late-night noise.

What If the Accommodation Is Dirty?

The solution depends on who is responsible.

Your flatmates are causing the problem

Try:

• Agreeing a cleaning rota

• Defining each task clearly

• Assigning cupboard and fridge space

• Setting a regular kitchen clear-out

• Contacting residential staff when the condition becomes serious

The provider is responsible

Report:

• Communal areas not cleaned as promised

• Waste not removed

• Dirty accommodation at move-in

• Pests

• Sewage or drainage problems

• Structural damp

• Unsafe waste facilities

Take photographs and refer to the services promised in the contract.

What If There Are Pests?

Possible pests include:

• Mice

• Rats

• Cockroaches

• Bedbugs

• Ants

• Fleas

Report the problem immediately.

Responsibility can depend on the cause.

The landlord or provider may be responsible when the infestation results from:

• Structural defects

• Gaps or damaged drains

• A problem that existed before the tenancy

• Conditions in communal parts of the building

Residents may be responsible when the problem results from food waste or another action under their control.

Citizens Advice confirms that pest responsibility depends on the cause and whether the infestation is connected with the property’s condition.

Do not use unsafe pest-control chemicals or arrange expensive treatment without checking the provider’s process.

What If Something Is Broken?

Report repairs promptly through the official system.

Your report should include:

• Exact location

• Clear description

• Photographs

• Date the problem began

• Whether it is becoming worse

• Whether it affects health or safety

• Whether you can use the room or facility

UCAS advises students in halls to use the provider’s maintenance portal, email address or telephone service, while private tenants should notify their landlord or agent.

Keep the repair reference number.

Which Repairs Are Urgent?

Urgent problems can include:

• Gas smell

• Exposed electrical wiring

• Serious leak or flooding

• Broken external door lock

• No heating in cold weather

• No usable toilet

• Fire-alarm failure

• Major structural damage

• Sewage

• Dangerous ceiling or wall collapse

Use the emergency maintenance number where one is available.

Contact emergency services when there is an immediate risk to life.

What If Repairs Are Ignored?

Escalate the issue.

In halls

1. Report it to maintenance.

2. Contact the accommodation manager.

3. Use the university complaint procedure.

4. Ask the students’ union for help.

5. Escalate through an accommodation code or external complaint route where applicable.

Citizens Advice advises students in halls to report problems to the accommodation manager first and then use the relevant complaints code if the issue remains unresolved.

In private accommodation

1. Notify the landlord or agent in writing.

2. Give reasonable access for inspection and repair.

3. Send a formal follow-up.

4. Contact the local council’s private-housing team if serious hazards remain.

5. Get advice before taking further action.

Councils use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System to assess risks including damp, mould, fire hazards, electrical dangers, excess cold and structural problems.

From 22 June 2026, English councils can issue fines of up to £7,000 where landlords fail to address certain serious hazards.

Can You Stop Paying Rent Because of Repairs?

Do not simply stop paying rent.

Withholding rent can create arrears and place your accommodation at risk, even when the landlord has failed to complete repairs. Citizens Advice warns tenants to continue paying while using the proper repair and complaint routes.

Get specialist housing advice before considering any action involving rent.

What If There Is Damp or Mould?

Report damp or mould promptly.

Include:

• Photographs

• Location

• Size of affected area

• Smell

• Damage to belongings

• Any health symptoms

• Previous reports

• Evidence of leaks, broken ventilation or heating faults

Continue using reasonable ventilation and heating where possible, but do not allow the provider to dismiss serious mould automatically as a lifestyle issue.

The cause may involve:

• Leak

• Defective roof or gutter

• Inadequate ventilation

• Broken extractor fan

• Insufficient heating

• Structural damp

• Condensation

• Overcrowding

Ask for an inspection rather than only a surface clean.

Serious damp and mould can be assessed as housing hazards by the local council.

What If the Accommodation Is Unsafe?

Safety concerns may include:

• Faulty electrics

• Broken fire doors

• Blocked escape routes

• Missing alarms

• Gas problems

• Insecure external doors

• Dangerous stairs

• Serious overcrowding

• Structural instability

Report the issue immediately.

When the danger is urgent:

• Leave the affected area.

• Contact security or emergency maintenance.

• Call emergency services where necessary.

• Do not use unsafe equipment.

• Keep written evidence.

Private tenants can also contact the council’s housing enforcement team. The council can inspect the property and require repairs when serious hazards are identified.

What If You Feel Unsafe Around Another Resident?

Do not prioritise politeness over personal safety.

Seek help when the problem involves:

• Threats

• Violence

• Stalking

• Sexual harassment

• Hate incidents

• Discrimination

• Coercive behaviour

• Repeated intimidation

• Theft

• Weapons

• Serious illegal activity

Contact:

• University security

• Hall manager

• Accommodation team

• Student support

• Police

• Emergency services when there is immediate danger

Citizens Advice advises calling the police when you are being threatened or harassed in shared accommodation and do not feel safe.

Do not confront the person alone when doing so could put you at risk.

Ask the university about:

• Emergency room move

• Temporary accommodation

• Security measures

• No-contact arrangements

• Formal conduct procedures

• Academic support

• Wellbeing support

What If You Are Being Harassed by a Landlord or Agent?

Harassment may include:

• Entering repeatedly without appropriate notice

• Threats

• Intimidation

• Cutting off services

• Pressuring you to leave unlawfully

• Discriminatory behaviour

• Repeated unwanted contact

Keep evidence and seek advice.

You can complain about a letting agent when it fails to carry out repairs, charges prohibited fees or harasses you by entering without permission.

Contact the police where you are threatened or in immediate danger.

What If the Room Does Not Match What You Booked?

Compare the room with:

• Booking confirmation

• Contract

• Advert

• Room description

• Photographs

• Written promises

• Accessibility agreement

Possible problems include:

• Shared bathroom instead of en-suite

• Different building

• Incorrect room size

• Missing catering

• Wrong campus

• Studio facilities not provided

• Missing furniture

• Adaptations not installed

Report the discrepancy immediately.

State:

1. What you booked

2. What you received

3. The evidence

4. The remedy you want

Possible remedies might include:

• Correct room

• Temporary alternative

• Rent reduction

• Refund of a price difference

• Release from the contract

Do not accept repeated verbal promises without written confirmation.

What If Your Accommodation Is Not Accessible?

Contact both:

• Accommodation team

• Disability or inclusion service

Explain the specific barrier.

For example:

• No step-free access

• Bathroom cannot be used safely

• Room is too far from teaching

• Medication storage is unavailable

• Emergency arrangements are unsuitable

• Agreed adaptations are missing

• Noise or lighting causes a disability-related barrier

UCAS states that when accommodation is unsuitable for a disabled student, the university may be able to arrange adaptations or move the student to another hall. Universities must consider reasonable adjustments to remove disability-related barriers.

Ask for:

• Urgent assessment

• Temporary adjustment

• Room transfer

• Written action plan

• Confirmation of any rent difference

• Support with moving

Do not allow the issue to be treated merely as a personal preference when it prevents you from accessing the accommodation safely.

What If the Accommodation Is Too Expensive?

Act before missing rent.

Contact:

• University money adviser

• Accommodation provider

• Student finance organisation

• Students’ union

• Scholarship or bursary team

Ask about:

• Lower-cost room

• Payment plan

• Hardship fund

• Accommodation bursary

• Short-term loan

• Updated household-income assessment

• Contract transfer

• Approved replacement tenant

• Moving home and commuting

UCAS recommends checking university bursaries, grants and hardship support when student finance does not cover accommodation and other essential costs.

Read Budgeting for Students [Budgeting for Students], Maintenance Loans Explained [Maintenance Loans Explained] and Scholarships vs Bursaries [Scholarships vs Bursaries].

Can You Change Rooms in University Halls?

Possibly.

Room-transfer policies vary between universities.

You may be able to move because of:

• Flatmate conflict

• Persistent noise

• Accessibility

• Health

• Harassment

• Safety

• Incorrect allocation

• Personal circumstances

• Preference for a cheaper room

The university may:

• Ask you to try mediation

• Place you on a waiting list

• Require supporting evidence

• Offer a different building

• Charge an administration fee

• Change your rent

• Require you to move quickly once a room becomes available

A transfer is not always guaranteed, particularly at the start of the academic year when halls are full.

How to Request a Room Transfer

Write to the accommodation team.

Include:

• Your name

• Student number

• Current room

• Specific problem

• Steps already taken

• Effect on your health, safety or study

• Evidence

• Type of room you need

• Whether you can accept a range of alternatives

• Whether the request is urgent

Example:

I am requesting a room transfer because persistent overnight noise has continued despite three reports and mediation. I am regularly unable to sleep before my morning clinical placements. I have attached my incident log and previous correspondence. I would accept any quieter room within my current price range.

Be realistic about the alternatives you can accept.

Restricting your request to one particular premium room may reduce the chance of a quick move.

Will the Rent Change After a Room Transfer?

Possibly.

A new room may have:

• Higher rent

• Lower rent

• Different contract dates

• Different catering

• Different deposit arrangements

Before accepting the move, ask:

• What is the new weekly rent?

• What is the new total rent?

• Does the original contract end?

• Will a new contract be issued?

• Is any deposit transferred?

• Is there a moving fee?

• When must I move?

• Will transport or moving support be provided?

Get the financial terms in writing.

Can You Swap Rooms with Another Student?

Only with formal permission.

Do not exchange:

• Keys

• Access cards

• Rooms

• Rent

• Contracts

informally.

An unauthorised room swap can create problems with:

• Fire registers

• Security

• Insurance

• Rent

• Emergency contact

• Damage responsibility

• Contract enforcement

Ask the accommodation provider whether it operates an approved room-swap process.

Can You Move Out of Halls Early?

You can physically leave, but you may remain responsible for the rent.

University halls and qualifying private student halls commonly use agreements covering a set academic period.

You may be released only when:

• The provider agrees

• A contractual cancellation clause applies

• An approved replacement student takes the room

• Exceptional circumstances are accepted

Do not assume the contract ends because:

• You moved your belongings.

• You handed the keys to reception.

• You stopped attending university.

• Your parents contacted the provider.

• Another student said they wanted the room.

Read Student Accommodation Contracts Explained [Student Accommodation Contracts Explained] before taking action.

What If You Rent Privately in England?

Private-renting rules changed on 1 May 2026.

Most ordinary private tenants in England now have assured periodic tenancies. A tenant can normally end the tenancy by giving the required two months’ written notice, or by reaching a written agreement with the landlord.

Different arrangements apply to:

• University halls

• Qualifying purpose-built student halls

• Lodgers

• Some specialist accommodation

Do not move out without ending the tenancy correctly.

Shelter warns that tenants who leave a rolling tenancy without proper notice may continue to owe rent and could lose some or all of their deposit.

What If You Have a Joint Tenancy?

Be extremely careful.

Under a joint agreement:

• Everybody may share responsibility for rent.

• One person moving out may not remove their liability.

• Formal notice may affect every joint tenant.

• A replacement may require the landlord’s approval.

• Guarantors may also remain liable.

Do not serve notice before obtaining advice.

A decision intended to solve your housing problem could unintentionally end the tenancy for housemates who want to remain.

What If You Live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

The rules differ.

Scotland

Most ordinary private renters use private residential tenancies and can generally leave by giving the required notice. Student halls and some specialist accommodation may use common-law agreements with different rules. Shelter Scotland advises negotiating in writing when you want to leave fixed student accommodation early.

Wales

Most private renters have occupation contracts under the Renting Homes framework. University accommodation may use different arrangements. Check your written statement and obtain Welsh housing advice.

Northern Ireland

Rights depend on the tenancy agreement and whether the accommodation is privately rented or university managed. Check the notice and early-termination terms before leaving.

Use the housing guidance for the nation where the accommodation is located.

What Is a Replacement Tenant?

A replacement tenant is another eligible person approved to take over your room or agreement.

The contract may require the replacement to:

• Be a full-time student

• Attend a particular university

• Meet age requirements

• Provide a guarantor

• Pass checks

• Not already live in the building

• Accept the remaining contract

• Pay the current rent

Ask:

• Who must find the replacement?

• Can the provider reject them?

• Is there an administration charge?

• When does your rent liability end?

• What happens to your deposit?

• Is your guarantor released?

• Will the provider advertise the room too?

Do not advertise or sublet the room without permission.

Your responsibility normally ends only when the provider confirms the transfer in writing.

What If You Leave University?

Withdrawing, suspending or changing course does not automatically cancel your accommodation.

You may still owe rent after:

• Leaving the course

• Moving home

• Losing student status

• Transferring university

• Taking a break from study

Contact:

• Academic department

• Student finance organisation

• Accommodation provider

• Students’ union adviser

• University money team

Your student finance may also be reassessed, making it harder to cover the remaining rent.

Some accommodation contracts contain withdrawal or suspension clauses. Others require an approved replacement.

Check before formally withdrawing where possible.

What If You Missed Your Grades or Your Visa Was Refused?

Some accommodation providers offer clauses described as:

• No place, no pay

• No visa, no pay

• Flexible cancellation

• Grade protection

These clauses usually have strict conditions.

You may need to:

• Submit evidence

• Notify the provider by a deadline

• Show that the affected university was your firm choice

• Demonstrate that no suitable alternative place was obtained

• Avoid beginning an appeal

Check the written booking terms.

A marketing banner is not a substitute for a contractual cancellation right.

Should You Find Another Room Before Leaving?

Usually, yes.

Before ending your current accommodation, check:

• Where you will live next

• Total cost

• Deposit

• Contract start date

• Notice overlap

• Transport

• Bills

• Guarantor

• Whether your current liability has ended

You may temporarily need to pay for two properties where the dates overlap.

Do not sign a second contract until you understand your obligations under the first.

How to Make a Formal Accommodation Complaint

When informal reporting has not resolved the problem, use the provider’s formal complaint procedure.

Your complaint should include:

• Your identifying information

• Accommodation address

• Clear description of the problem

• Dates

• Previous reports

• Evidence

• Effect on you

• Relevant contract terms or policies

• Remedy requested

• Deadline for urgent action where appropriate

Possible remedies include:

• Repair

• Room transfer

• Rent reduction

• Refund

• Reimbursement

• Apology

• Policy change

• Release from contract

• Compensation for direct losses

Keep the tone factual.

A clear complaint is generally more effective than a 2,000-word account of every irritating interaction since moving day, although emotionally the longer version may feel magnificent.

Complaint Template Structure

Use:

Problem: The heating in my room has not worked since 4 November.Reports made: I reported it on 4, 6 and 10 November using the maintenance portal.Impact: The room is extremely cold and I cannot study or sleep comfortably.Evidence: I have attached photographs, maintenance references and temperature readings.Requested action: I am asking for an urgent repair and temporary heating or alternative accommodation until the problem is resolved.Response requested: Please confirm the action being taken by 12 November.

This structure makes the requested outcome easy to understand.

Complaints About University-Owned Accommodation

Begin with the university’s internal complaint process.

If the complaint is not resolved, request a Completion of Procedures Letter where appropriate.

Students in England and Wales may be able to take an eligible unresolved complaint about a higher education provider to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. The OIA is free to students and can consider complaints about services provided by a university.

A complaint to the OIA normally needs to be submitted within 12 months of the provider’s final decision.

The OIA cannot necessarily consider every dispute involving a separate private accommodation company, even when you are a university student.

Complaints About Private Student Halls

First complete the provider’s internal complaints process.

Then check whether the building belongs to:

• ANUK or Unipol National Code

• Student Accommodation Code

• Another recognised accreditation scheme

Unipol explains that students can make a Code complaint after raising the problem with the provider and completing the relevant internal process.

Accommodation codes can cover standards relating to:

• Safety

• Management

• Repairs

• Information

• Complaints

• Contract practices

Complaints About Private Landlords and Agents

For private accommodation, possible routes include:

• Landlord’s complaint process

• Letting agent’s complaint process

• Agent redress scheme

• Local council

• Tenancy deposit scheme

• Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or relevant complaint route when applicable

• Court or tribunal

• Housing adviser

Use the route matching the problem.

For example:

Problem	Possible route
Serious disrepair	Landlord, then local council
Deposit deduction	Deposit protection scheme
Letting-agent behaviour	Agent complaint and redress scheme
Illegal fee	Council or housing adviser
Harassment	Council, adviser or police
Unsafe HMO	Local council
Contract dispute	Housing adviser or legal route

How Long Should You Give the Provider?

The time depends on the problem.

A broken light in a communal corridor may not require the same response as:

• Gas leak

• Serious flooding

• No secure external door

• Dangerous electrical fault

• Threat from another resident

For urgent safety problems, expect immediate action or emergency arrangements.

For non-urgent matters, give the provider a reasonable written deadline and ask it to confirm its planned response.

Check whether the contract or complaints policy specifies response times.

Can You Ask for Compensation?

You can request compensation or reimbursement where you have experienced:

• Direct financial loss

• Service not provided

• Uninhabitable room

• Additional travel

• Temporary accommodation costs

• Damage to belongings caused by an unresolved defect

• Significant inconvenience

Keep receipts.

Explain how you calculated the amount.

Do not assume that every disappointing experience creates an automatic right to compensation. The outcome depends on:

• Contract

• Cause

• Provider response

• Evidence

• Loss

• Applicable complaint scheme or law

The OIA can recommend remedies, including practical action and financial compensation, when a university complaint is justified or partly justified.

What If a New Accommodation Building Is Not Ready?

Ask the provider for written details of:

• Alternative accommodation

• Location

• Standard

• Moving date

• Travel arrangements

• Storage

• Rent reduction

• Reimbursement

• Cancellation rights

Some National Code standards require participating providers to arrange suitable temporary accommodation and address additional moving or travel costs when a building is unavailable as agreed.

Do not accept vague promises about completion dates without understanding where you will live in the meantime.

How to Decide Whether to Stay or Move

Ask yourself:

Can the problem be fixed?

A repair, cleaning agreement or room transfer may resolve it.

Is the problem temporary?

The first week is different from the rest of the year.

Is your safety affected?

Safety problems need urgent action.

Is your health affected?

Speak to healthcare and university support services.

Can you afford an alternative?

Include deposits, notice overlap and moving costs.

Can you legally leave?

Read the contract and get advice.

Would another room in the same building help?

A transfer may be easier than leaving completely.

Have you documented the problem?

Evidence improves your chances of a practical solution.

When Staying May Be Sensible

Staying temporarily may be reasonable when:

• You are still settling in.

• The provider has agreed a repair.

• Mediation is under way.

• A transfer is likely.

• The issue is inconvenient but not unsafe.

• Leaving would create serious financial liability.

• You have support and the situation is manageable.

Staying does not mean accepting the problem permanently.

Set a date for reviewing whether the agreed solution has worked.

When Moving May Be the Better Option

Moving may be appropriate when:

• You feel unsafe.

• Harassment continues.

• Essential disability needs are not met.

• Serious disrepair remains unresolved.

• The environment is significantly affecting your health.

• The location makes your course inaccessible.

• The rent is unsustainable.

• Mediation has failed.

• A suitable transfer is available.

• You can leave the contract correctly.

Seek advice before making the final move.

Emergency Accommodation

Universities may be able to provide temporary accommodation when:

• You are at immediate risk.

• Your room is uninhabitable.

• Essential repairs are required.

• Harassment or violence is involved.

• An accessible room is unavailable.

• A safeguarding issue has arisen.

Contact:

• University security

• Accommodation emergency number

• Student support

• Local authority

• Police

• Specialist support organisation

Do not remain somewhere you are in immediate danger merely because the standard accommodation office has closed for the evening.

Common Mistakes When Students Dislike Their Accommodation

Moving out without checking the contract

You may continue owing rent.

Stopping rent because of repairs

This can create arrears and threaten your tenancy.

Reporting everything only verbally

Follow up in writing.

Waiting until the problem becomes unbearable

Early reports create more options.

Describing only how you feel

Explain the specific behaviour, defect or contractual problem as well.

Informally swapping rooms

Use the provider’s approved process.

Subletting without permission

You may remain responsible for rent and damage.

Serving joint-tenancy notice without advice

It may affect every tenant.

Accepting a more expensive transfer without checking the rent

Calculate the full additional cost.

Assuming leaving university ends the accommodation

The two agreements are separate.

Trying to mediate serious harassment

Contact security, accommodation staff or police.

Signing another contract before ending the first

You may become liable for two rents.

Accommodation Problem Checklist

When the problem begins

• Identify the exact issue.

• Read your contract.

• Take photographs.

• Record dates.

• Report it in writing.

• Save the reference number.

• Ask for a response time.

When the issue continues

• Follow up.

• Keep an incident log.

• Contact the accommodation manager.

• Ask the students’ union for advice.

• Request mediation or a transfer.

• Use the formal complaint procedure.

When you want to move

• Check the agreement type.

• Ask about room transfers.

• Check notice requirements.

• Ask about replacement tenants.

• Calculate remaining rent.

• Check the new accommodation cost.

• Get release from liability in writing.

• Arrange safe moving support.

When there is danger

• Leave the immediate area where safe.

• Contact security.

• Contact emergency services.

• Tell the accommodation provider.

• Keep evidence.

• Ask for emergency accommodation.

• Seek wellbeing and academic support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disliking Student Accommodation

Is it normal to dislike university accommodation at first?

Yes. Moving away, meeting new flatmates and sharing facilities can take time to adjust to. Give ordinary settling-in problems some time while building routines and meeting people elsewhere.

Can I change rooms in university halls?

Possibly. Contact the accommodation team and ask about transfers, evidence, waiting lists and fees.

Can I move because I do not like my flatmates?

You can ask, but a transfer may not be guaranteed. The provider may suggest mediation first unless there is a safety or safeguarding issue.

What if I feel unsafe around a flatmate?

Contact security, accommodation staff or police. Do not confront the person alone when you fear for your safety.

Can I leave halls early?

Possibly, but you may remain responsible for rent unless the provider releases you or an approved replacement takes the room.

Can I leave a private tenancy in England?

Most ordinary private tenants can now end an assured periodic tenancy by giving the required notice. This does not necessarily apply to university halls or qualifying private student halls.

Can I stop paying rent if the room is unsuitable?

Do not stop paying without specialist advice. Use the repair, complaint and legal enforcement routes instead.

What if the accommodation has mould?

Report it in writing with photographs and ask for an inspection and repair. Contact the local council if a private landlord fails to deal with a serious hazard.

What if my room is not accessible?

Contact the university disability and accommodation teams. Ask for adaptations or a suitable move as a reasonable adjustment.

What if my accommodation is too expensive?

Contact the university money team before missing rent. Ask about cheaper rooms, hardship funding, bursaries and payment plans.

Can I move into another student’s room?

Only through an approved room-swap or contract-transfer process.

Do I need a replacement tenant?

Some halls and private accommodation contracts require one before you can be released. Check who qualifies and when your liability ends.

What happens if I leave university?

Your accommodation contract may continue. Contact the provider and check withdrawal and replacement rules before leaving.

What happens if a housemate moves out?

Under a joint tenancy, the remaining tenants may still be responsible for the full rent. Get housing advice.

How do I complain about university halls?

Report the problem, use the university’s formal complaints procedure and seek help from the students’ union. An eligible unresolved complaint in England or Wales may be taken to the OIA after the university’s process is complete.

How do I complain about private student halls?

Use the provider’s complaint process and check whether the building belongs to a National Code or another accreditation scheme.

Can I ask for compensation?

You can request reimbursement or compensation for documented loss, missing services or significant failings. Whether it is awarded depends on the evidence, contract and complaint route.

What if repairs are never completed?

Escalate in writing. In private accommodation, contact the local council when serious hazards remain unresolved.

Can the landlord make me leave because I complained?

The landlord must follow the legal possession process applying to your tenancy. Seek immediate advice if you receive threats or notice after reporting safety problems.

What if I signed another accommodation contract already?

Get housing advice immediately. You may be liable under both agreements until the first one is ended properly.

Who can check my rights?

Contact your students’ union, university housing team, Citizens Advice, Shelter or another qualified housing adviser.

Final Thoughts on What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Accommodation

Not every accommodation problem means you need to move.

Sometimes the solution is:

• More time

• A conversation

• A cleaning rota

• A repair

• Mediation

• A change of room

Other situations need stronger action, particularly when your safety, health, accessibility or ability to study is affected.

Follow these steps:

1. Identify the exact problem.

2. Read your contract.

3. Keep evidence.

4. Report the issue in writing.

5. Ask for a clear solution.

6. Escalate when the provider does not act.

7. Get housing advice before leaving or stopping rent.

8. Contact security or emergency services when you are unsafe.

Your accommodation should be somewhere you can sleep, study and live safely.

It does not need to be perfect. Every student kitchen will experience at least one unexplained smell and a bin that everybody believes somebody else is about to empty.

But serious problems should not be dismissed as simply part of student life.

Continue with University Accommodation Explained [University Accommodation Explained], Student Accommodation Contracts Explained [Student Accommodation Contracts Explained], Living with Flatmates [Living with Flatmates], Halls vs Private Accommodation [Halls vs Private Accommodation] and Student Moving Day Checklist [Student Moving Day Checklist].