The SU recognises the various issues with student housing including house-hunting, checking tenancy agreements, repairs, recovering deposits and security.
Student housing in Bath has become increasingly challenging. Rising rents, limited availability, and poor-quality housing, including mould and damp, have created significant barriers for students.
The Students’ Union wants housing that is affordable, high-quality, and accessible for all students.
We want a system where:
Students can pay rent flexibly, reducing financial stress.
International students have fair access to housing without punitive costs.
Landlords are held accountable for property standards.
Students feel empowered to speak up about poor conditions without fear of eviction.
University –run Guarantor Scheme: We’re really pleased to share an update that thanks to our Lobbying, The University will be introducing a new University-run Guarantor Scheme for students who often face barriers when trying to secure private accommodation. This scheme will support International students, student carers, Widening Participation Students, and estranged students; groups who often struggle securing a UK-based guarantors. Without one, students can end up paying huge upfront costs or paying £600 on average to use a third-party guarantor scheme that charges up to 20% interest rates. Eligible students will be able to use the University of Bath as their guarantor for Bath based lettings. This scheme will cost an administration fee of £75 which will on average put £525 back into Students' pockets! The SU and The University will share more details soon about how students can apply and who’s eligible. This has been a direct result of feedback we’ve heard from students over the past year (It was a Top 10 issue back in 2015!).
Local Plan Submission: We've responded to Bath & North East Somerset Council's Local Plan consultation, which will shape housing, transport, and development in Bath for the next 15–20 years. Our submission focused on proposals that directly affect students, including protecting housing supply, supporting new on-campus accommodation, and ensuring affordability. This plan will influence where student housing is built and how accessible it is, so student voices are vital. We'll continue to gather feedback ahead of the next consultation in Spring/Summer 2026 to ensure your needs are represented. View our full response here: Local-Plan-Submission-BANES.pdf
Quality Standards: We are promoting tools like Marks out of Tenancy (Rate Your Landlord) and the Council's housing reporting system (Report a problem with your rented home | Bath and North East Somerset Council) to hold landlords accountable.
If you are looking to find out more about housing you can checking out our SU Advice and Support page for information on housing advice or you can look at our housing rights page to find out what you are entitled to as a tentant.