How Partners Can Use The Code

Whether you are a university, students' union, professional body or local authority, the Codes can support your work by offering an independently monitored benchmark for good practice and student-centred housing management. Partners and joint working between stakeholders and the Codes play an important role in helping students access safe, well-managed housing and understand the protections available to them.

Check Code Standards Current Members List

Why Use the National Codes?

Best Practice

Demonstrate Quality and Good Practice

The Codes set clear standards for the management of student accommodation, helping organisations demonstrate their commitment to quality and professionalism.

What Are The Codes and Why Do They Matter?

Confidence

Build Student Confidence

Students and their families want reassurance that accommodation is safe, well-managed and accountable. The National Codes provide a trusted point of reference when making accommodation choices.

High-quality accommodation contributes to student wellbeing, satisfaction and success throughout their time in higher education.

For Students

Transparency

Promote Transparency

Code membership signals a commitment to clearly defined standards and access to established processes for resolving complaints.

Problems & Complaints

What our Partners Say:

In my experience I have found the ANUK National Code to be an incredibly useful tool for advisors, students and accommodation providers to help resolve a wide variety of issues.
By setting out expectations clearly, alongside a framework for constructive dispute resolution it encourages all parties to engage positively in order to reduce the risk of escalation and damage relationships between the provider and student tenant.
I would urge all appropriate accommodation providers to seek membership of the ANUK National Code and use it as a means of supporting strong tenant relationships and all students to check whether the accommodation is National Code accredited before committing to any tenancy.

Ian Humphreys - LSH Standards Officer

Liverpool Student Homes

At Lancaster University Homes, we place great value on the ANUK National Code. It is a requirement that PBSA providers are members of the Code before they can be considered for our accreditation scheme. Membership gives us confidence that providers are committed to delivering well-managed accommodation and a positive experience for student tenants, reflecting the standards we expect through LU Homes.

Steph Wilson - Accreditation Scheme Manager

Lancaster University Homes

We support the aims of the Code to set minimum standards for providers and their accommodation. Students benefit from remedies for late buildings and the new provision (4.6) to allow students signing after 1^st May 2026 to end their tenancy if their studies are curtailed. The team provide helpful and prompt responses to clarify Code requirements and options for students in relation to any complaints and concerns.

Corrinna Purves - Welfare Adviser

University of Nottingham Students' Union

At Leeds Beckett Students' Union, we see first-hand the impact that housing has on the overall student experience. The Unipol Code provides students with reassurance that accredited landlords and accommodation providers are committed to maintaining high standards of safety, management, and customer service.
As a Students' Union, we value the partnership approach that Unipol takes in working with universities and students' unions to continually improve housing standards and support student wellbeing.
The Unipol Code remains an important resource in helping students make informed housing choices and contributes positively to a safer and more supportive student experience.

Katie Davies - Head of Community Support

Leeds Beckett Students' Union

How Can Partners Use the Code?

Universities & Students Unions

Universities can use the Codes to support accommodation strategies, student communications and housing advice services.

Signpost students to Code-accredited accommodation
Reference the Codes in accommodation guidance and housing policies
Only advertise and work with Code accredited accommodtion
Signpost students to independent complaints procedures where appropriates and provide information on the process

Local Authorities

The National Codes can provide a useful reference point for councils seeking to understand recognised standards within the purpose-built student accommodation sector.

Reference recognised accommodation standards when engaging with providers and educational institutions
Use Code standards to form basis for discussions on issues such as licensing and planning
Utilise the Code website to check who is a member and which developments are accredited
Help inform discussions around student housing provision and local housing strategies
Support partnership working between councils, universities and accommodation providers

Sector Bodies and Professional Organisations

The National Codes support wider efforts to improve standards and consistency across housing sector

Reference the Codes within guidance and best practice resources
Support awareness of recognised accommodation standards
Encourage sector-wide consistency and accountability
Share resources with members and stakeholders

How Partners Can Use the Codes