University's in-house lettings agency wins national newspaper award

The University of Surrey’s in-house private lettings agency has won a gong at the Guardian University Awards 2018.

The ‘Student Experience’ award recognises innovative projects or initiatives that have enhanced the academic and/or personal experience of a student body. 

USL is a not-for-profit lettings service established in November 2016 as part of an initiative by the students' union to provide a comprehensive advice and support service to students renting off campus. 

It also aims to bring students and the local community closer by fostering good relationships and making sure that students are acting as respectful neighbours within Guildford.

USL says it provides a practical advice service to all students preparing to or already living in the private sector, s well as managing the University's head leasing scheme which allows private landlords to rent their properties directly to the college as their tenant, and then the property is sublet to students without a monthly fee percentage.

USL claims that it has influenced other letting agencies changing their practices and engaging more positively with the University and students. 

USL is accredited by the Guildford Lettings Accreditation Scheme, is in the Property Redress Scheme and is the first educational establishment to become a licensed ARLA agent.