Student Lets: How to Stay on Top of High-Turnover Tenancies
Published on June 30, 2025 by Sarah Mac
Student rentals come with a unique set of challenges. From tight summer changeovers to wear and tear that’s often well above average, landlords and managing agents need to be one step ahead to keep everything running smoothly – and to avoid costly disputes.
So, what makes student lets different, and how can you stay on top of them?
Group tenancies, group challenges
Unlike professional lets or family homes, student rentals are often set up as group tenancies. That means a single contract covers multiple tenants — usually friends, course-mates or even strangers brought together by a letting agent.
The challenge? Shared responsibility can make things messy. If something gets broken or the property’s left in a state, it’s not always easy to pinpoint who’s at fault. Add to that the fast pace of the summer changeover period — when tenants leave en masse and new groups move in within days — and it’s clear why organisation is key.
Inventories: Your first line of defence
A professional inventory is essential for any tenancy, but it’s even more important in student lets. With so many people coming and going, often with limited tenancy experience, misunderstandings around damage and deposits are common.
A detailed inventory — complete with time-stamped photos, condition notes and meter readings — sets a clear benchmark from day one. And when it’s signed by the tenants at check-in, it becomes your strongest tool if a dispute arises.
At SRP, our inventories are designed to be dispute-proof. We record everything, from scuffed walls to non-functioning smoke alarms and missing lightbulbs, so there’s no grey area at the end of the tenancy.
Mid-term inspections: Catching issues early
Most student tenancies run for 12 months, even if the tenants are away for large chunks of it. That’s why mid-tenancy inspections are a smart move. They help you spot problems early — whether that’s damp, damage, or a forgotten pile of bin bags growing mould in the kitchen.
Carrying out a quick property health check halfway through the tenancy gives you a chance to remind tenants of their responsibilities and make sure any issues are dealt with before they escalate. It also shows that you’re proactive — something deposit schemes and adjudicators look favourably on.
Top tips for a smoother summer changeover
The summer changeover period can feel like organised chaos. But a few simple strategies can make life a lot easier:
- Get dates locked in early: As soon as you know when your current tenants are leaving and the new ones are arriving, get your check-outs and check-ins booked.
- Leave enough time for cleaning and repairs: Even a 48-hour buffer can be the difference between a smooth handover and a panic.
- Use reliable contractors: Having a trusted cleaner, handyman and inventory provider on speed dial will save you headaches.
- Communicate clearly with outgoing tenants: Send reminders about cleaning, rubbish removal and key return. The clearer you are, the fewer surprises there’ll be on the day.
- Don’t skip the check-out: Even if you’re short on time, a proper check-out with updated photos and notes is essential for protecting your position on any deposit deductions.
How SRP Inventories can help
At SRP Inventories, we’ve been supporting landlords with student lets for over 15 years — and we know how demanding the summer months can be.
Here’s how we help:
- Fast-turnaround reports: Need an inventory or check-out turned around in 24–48 hours? No problem. We’re geared up for it.
- Detailed, evidence-based reports: Our documentation is clear, professional and ready to stand up to any challenge from tenants or deposit schemes.
- Mid-term inspections: We’ll check in mid-way through longer lets, giving you peace of mind and a chance to fix issues early.
- Home demos at check-in: We don’t just hand over keys – we show tenants how to use the heating, appliances and alarms properly, helping prevent damage caused by misuse.
- London, SE and beyond: We cover a wide area, so if your portfolio spans multiple locations, you’ll get consistency across the board.
Looking for stress-free student lets? Talk to SRP Inventories.
Managing student lets doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does require a bit more planning and a lot more documentation. With the right systems in place, and a reliable inventory partner on board, you can avoid disputes, protect your property, and keep your tenants happy (and their parents reassured). If you’re gearing up for the summer changeover and need help staying ahead, get in touch with SRP