Renting in Glasgow? Rent Smart! 🗝️ Your Guide to Safe & Fair Student Accommodation

Glasgow is a brilliant city for students, but navigating the private rental market can be tricky. Don't let your flat hunt turn into a nightmare! Here is the essential advice to secure a safe, legal, and comfortable home. Your tenancy rights are your shield—know them!

1. Safety First: Avoiding Scams and Unregistered Landlords

Rental scams are unfortunately common. Protect yourself and your money with these crucial checks:

• View Before You Pay: NEVER pay a deposit or advance rent for a property you haven't seen in person (or had a trusted friend view for you). Scammers will pressure you to pay for flats that don't exist.

• Check Landlord Registration: In Scotland, almost all private landlords must be registered with the local council. You can easily check the Scottish Landlord Register using the property's postcode or the landlord's name. If they aren't registered, walk away! It's a criminal offence.

• Verify the Deposit Scheme: Your deposit (which should not be more than two months' rent) must be registered with an approved tenancy deposit scheme (MyDeposits Scotland, Safe Deposits Scotland, or Letting Protection Service Scotland) within 30 working days. This protects your money and ensures fair return at the end of your tenancy.

• Secure Payment Methods: Only pay rent and deposits via bank transfer (ideally between UK accounts). Never send money via untraceable services like Western Union or in cash without a proper, dated receipt. Be suspicious of requests for unusual payments like gift vouchers.

2. Know Your Paperwork & Rights

A tenancy is a legally binding contract. Take your time, read carefully, and be informed.

• Scrutinise the Tenancy Agreement: Read the entire contract before signing. Don't understand a clause? Ask for help! Your University's Student Representative Council (SRC) or Advice Centre can review the agreement for you for free.

• Demand an Inventory: Before moving in, ensure you receive and check a detailed inventory. This documents the condition of the property and its contents. Take your own photos on arrival, and agree on the inventory with your landlord to protect your deposit.

• Check HMO Licensing: If you're sharing a flat with three or more unrelated people, the property requires a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence from Glasgow City Council. Ask your landlord to confirm they have this licence.

• Repairs are the Landlord's Job: Your landlord is responsible for keeping the flat in a safe, wind- and watertight condition. This is called the Repairing Standard. Report any issues (e.g., faulty heating, damp, leaks) in writing and keep copies of all communication.

3. Support Services are Here to Help!

You don't have to navigate the rental market alone. Professional, free advice is available across the city:

• Student Advice Services: All Glasgow universities have dedicated Student Support Services or a Student Representative Council (SRC) Advice Centre. They offer confidential, free advice on tenancy agreements, landlord disputes, scams, and finding flatmates.

• Shelter Scotland: For independent housing and tenancy rights advice, contact Shelter Scotland.

Purpose Built Student Accommodations (PBSA)

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is professionally managed, fully-furnished housing specifically designed for students in Glasgow. This model has grown significantly, particularly appealing to international and postgraduate students, offering a modern, all-inclusive, and secure living environment.

Room Types

• En-suite Rooms: Private bedroom and bathroom, with a shared communal kitchen/lounge.

• Studios: Fully self-contained units with a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette.

• One-Bedroom Apartments are also sometimes available.

Locations

Primarily concentrated in areas with excellent university access: City Centre (ideal for Strathclyde and Caledonian students, e.g., Merchant City, Cowcaddens), West End (ideal for Glasgow Uni students, e.g., Hillhead, Partick, Kelvinhaugh), and Riverside developments (e.g., Scotway House).

Price Range

PBSA is generally more expensive than university halls or traditional private renting, but is all-inclusive. The rent typically ranges from: £170 to over £340+ per week (for the 2025/2026 academic year), with studios commanding the higher end of the range.

Utilities/Amenities

Bills are typically all-inclusive (covering utilities, Wi-Fi, and insurance). On-site amenities often include gyms, cinema rooms, study spaces, communal lounges, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security.

Booking Policy

The booking process often starts early, generally between February and April for a September intake. Contracts are legally binding for the full duration (typically 40-51 weeks). Proof of university admission is required.

Share Flats

Student shared flats, also known as private rentals or house shares, are a very popular accommodation choice for students in Glasgow, especially after their first year in university halls. They offer a taste of independence and a more authentic, "home-like" living experience compared to purpose-built student accommodation.

A shared student flat in Glasgow typically involves a group of students renting a property from a private landlord or letting agency, where each student has their own exclusive bedroom but shares common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom with their flatmates.

Many shared flats in Glasgow are located in traditional tenement buildings, especially in the West End, offering a classic Glasgow living experience. These properties are usually let with basic furnishings (bed, desk, wardrobe).

The cost of shared flat accommodation is generally more affordable than modern Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Prices vary significantly based on location and the size/quality of the flat.

Area Average Monthly Rent

Budget-Friendly £600 - £900

Popular Student Areas £800 - £1,000