Standards for student accommodation
All our approved properties are initially inspected and approved by the council
You must meet their standards for student accommodation and the HIMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) regulations for larger properties, if necessary.
- Contact the Housing Standards Team at Derby City Council to arrange an inspection of your property in Derby
- Contact the Environment and Housing Services Department at High Peak Borough Council to arrange an inspection of your property in Buxton
You must comply with these standards:
Heating and lighting
All rooms must have sufficient heating and lighting - ideally gas central heating or an Economy 7 system.
You must not supply bottled gas heaters.
Security
You must meet all the security standards that are outlined in the Council's criteria.
We also advise that you have PIR activated security lighting.
Furniture and furnishings
Your property must be fully furnished.
All furniture and furnishings must comply with the Furniture and Fittings Fire Safety (1998) regulations.
Beds, mattresses, sofas, easy chairs, and curtains must comply with the appropriate British Standards (BS 5867, 7175, 7176 and 7177).
Single study bedrooms
Each room must contain:
- a bed with fire retardant mattress, that's in good condition
- a wardrobe and chest of drawers, or suitable fitted unit
- a bookcase or shelving for books
- a desk or table with a work surface that can be used for studying and as a computer workstation
- a hard backed chair
- carpets and curtains in good condition
- at least one twin or two single electric sockets
- a metal waste bin.
Communal area
There should be a communal area or living room in the property. It must contain:
- a dining table with one dining chair for each student (or similar facilities, such as a breakfast bar), in the kitchen
- a fire retardant three piece suite or an appropriate number of easy chairs
- carpets and curtains in good condition
Kitchen
If your property will have more than five tenants, you'll need to provide extra cooking, fridge and freezer facilities - we can advise you, if necessary.
The kitchen must contain:
- a kitchen sink and draining board with hot and cold running water
- a fridge freezer that must be in good condition and big enough for your tenants
- a gas or electric cooker, or a hob and oven
- enough cupboards for each person to have their own space to store their food and utensils
- a food preparation area, that's in good condition and big enough for your tenants
- a kitchen waste bin with a lid
- at least two extra single or one extra twin electrical sockets, in addition to those that are used for the appliances
- suitable floor covering
- an extractor fan to reduce condensation
- a washing machine and microwave oven.
Bathroom, shower room and toilet
You must provide:
- a wash hand basin with a tiled surround and hot and cold running water
- a toilet, that's in working order, and a toilet roll holder
- tiled areas, especially in shower cubicles and around the bath, that are clean and in good condition
- a shower, if possible
- suitable floor covering
- a powerful extractor fan to help reduce condensation and prevent damage to decor.
General decor
- The property must be clean and well decorated.
- Simple decor, eg emulsion, that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Your kitchens and bathrooms may need to be decorated more frequently due to condensation.
The outside of the property and the cellar
- The outside of the property must be in reasonable condition, including window frames and paint work.
- The garden, paved areas and yard must be in good condition, and clean and tidy.
- If the property has a cellar - it must be tidy.
- If the property has a shed or garage, it must be in good condition and secure.
Miscellaneous items
You must also provide these items:
- a vacuum cleaner
- an ironing board
- a large dustpan and brush
- a broom
- a mop and bucket
- a large dustbin or wheelie bin.
