More students would like to see utility charges integrated into the overall costs of their accommodation, according to a specialist lettings platform.
Research by UniHomes shows that 68 per cent of students would be more likely to rent a property that includes utilities because of the convenience and because it would reduce disharmony amongst sharers.
The requirement for one person to take responsibility for utilities in their name, while chasing housemates for late payments can often be a friction point. By each student paying for their own share, it eases this potential tension.
However, only 64 per cent of students surveyed accepted this would involve a rental premium.
Most wanted electricity, water and gas included; 47 per cent also wanted wifi and just 25 per cent wanted a TV licence fee included.
Just 30 per cent of those questioned had utilities included in current renting costs.
UniHomes founder Phil Greaves says: “It’s clear that including utilities within the overall cost of renting can considerably boost the appeal of a rental property.
“Not only is this greater convenience extremely sought after amongst student tenants, but the figures suggest that there is also a shortage of letting agents offering the additional service.
“Of course, there is a reason for this, as organising multiple utility contracts and the ongoing management of the process is an extremely time consuming endeavour for landlords and letting agents.”
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How will they ever get on in life? Going to be a huge shock finding out that they have to pay for things and nothing is free!
Yes it is time consuming and isnt free to do, and its one reason amongst others like licensing etc that more and more landlords are withdrawing from the HMO market in favour of single household ASTs. The now only slightly lower net rent, is by far more cost effective in terms of time, hassle, dilaps and extra fees.
If I was renting student accommodation, that seems to me to be a great way to make more money.
By all means include it in the rental amount but at a rate that cover all utilities and at the same time making sure that the add on utility costs cover a lot more that they (the students) would ever be likely to use. Say around 10% more.
I love that.
Lets do that, so the little darlings can leave the lights on and have the heating cranked up to 'tropical'. Quoting Greta Thunberg "How dare you!"
And I will have worked out the cost of them doing just that and then added a further 10-15% on top for insurance.
Whatever they spend in utilities I will be charging them more. And plus the extra 15% admin fee.
Anyway, as students they should be learning how to compromise, and negotiate with their co inhabitants rather than squabble about who spent what...
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