🏡 Housing Worries? We’ve Got You.
Whether you’re renting for the first time or dealing with an unexpected issue, housing can be tricky — but you’re not on your own. Our Housing Advice service is free, confidential, and independent, here to help you understand your rights, check your contract, and handle any problems with confidence. From moving in to moving out, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We have put together some useful information on Housing Advice below. If you still cannot find the answer you’re looking for, you can also email us at ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk with any specific queries.
Finding Emergency Accommodation
Finding emergency accommodation can be stressful, this page aims to inform you on the best options available and how the Student Union can help.
Leaving your private rental property
This page discusses how to leave your private rental property, and the steps involved.
Council Tax
Students are normally exempt from Council Tax however, you will need to check your household eligibility first. This page gives more information as to how to do this.
I need help finding a house or housemates
If you need help finding a house or housemates, this page will focus on how to look for a room, a house and housemates.
Disputes and Disrepair
Sometimes things go wrong and you might find that you have disputes with your housemates or your landlord. This page provides information on how best to deal with these disputes.
Advice before you find a property or move in
Being prepared before moving into a property can prevent difficulties later on. This page acts as a guide to living off campus.
Only we can offer this type of advice
The Union is proud to offer free, independent and confidential advice. Because we are a separate organisation to the University, we're always there to stand in your corner when you need it most. Throughout your Surrey life, we will be there for you.
How can our team help you?
Our Advice team are able to:
- explain your rights when dealing with local landlords and the University
- help advise you when issues or disputes occur
- help advise when dealing with landlords and estate agents
- read through your contract
- signpost you to additional services
The Advice team cannot:
- make your case for you
- contact external parties on your behalf (such as landlords or tenants)
- speak on your behalf
- provide specialist legal advice
Our Advice team at the Union can also discuss your particular circumstances with you and can arrange appointments to talk through anything in more detail. If you need to get in touch with our team, please email ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk.