Students who live in private student accommodation account for 50% of the student population across the UK (National Student Accommodation Survey 2018, savethestudent.org) Many of these students will know that not only are rents more often than not extortionate but also come with unfair rulings such as withholding of rent, summer retainers (when shouldn't be applicable) and the landlord coming into the property with no given notice. 

While there are many online providers such as NUS, save the students, citizens advice and more I feel like the SU can do more to educate the students on their rights as tenants, 

My suggestions are for the SU to do a few things at critical times of the year; 

During freshers: As this is when many students will be moving into their new homes information booklets given to all students about their rights when to contact their landlord about housing issues, what is reasonable to ask from them and possibly advice regarding deposits. A recommended list of known and trusted agencies and private landlords. 

Late winter: Around this time is when students will start to look for a house for the following year, perhaps a talk on looking for houses as a group vs an individual and information booklets/online pdf's to be given out of warning signs such as damp/mould.

End of year: reminders about moving out and how to ensure a quick process, lists of organisations that goods can be donated to and reused, a 'moving out' checklist that would including taking photos of everything and cleaning, advice on summer storage. 

The process of looking for a house and then dealing with a landlord impacts our students heavily and this could be a few small ways to help our students to make informed decisions and to understand their rights as tenants