Accommodation Costs Survey 2021

Unipol and NUS are teaming up once again to undertake the 2021 edition of the Accommodation Costs Survey.  With a long history and high participation rates, this dataset provides excellent insight into the state of the student accommodation sector, and the report provides a unique opportunity for universities and accommodation providers to gain the latest information available.

National Code members have traditionally offered significant support to the survey, with over 380,000 bedspaces accounted for in the 2018 edition. By taking part, your organisation will gain access to the insights reported within the survey and the opportunity to attend the launch even in December.

The 2021 survey will cover an unprecedented period for our sector and the data will be requested from the 20/21 and 21/22 academic years.  The survey will launch late July 2021 and run until early September - accommodation providers are encouraged to ensure there is an appropriate person within your organisation to complete the survey.

Keep an eye on www.unipol.org.uk for the web lanch. If you have any questions or would like more information about how to take part, please get in touch via email [email protected]

Update on the Review of the Non-Educational Code

Following further discussions with MHCLG, sector consultation will be launched on 5th July, for a period of four weeks ending on 2nd August. A revised timetable for the review of the Non-Educational Code is available to view: https://www.nationalcode.org/news/non-educational-code-review-update.

Unipol Training & Events Programme

There are still space available on our upcoming Mental Health First Aid Course:

This online course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider, giving you:

• An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
• Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support - whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix

The training will be delivered by Vic Peckitt, Code and Complaints Investigator for the National Code and Jan Hardy, Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator for Unipol Student Homes. They are accredited Mental Health First Aid (England) trainers.

Having been adapted for online learning, the course is delivered virtually over 4 ‘live’ sessions. In order to receive the MHFA qualification, participants must attend all 4 live sessions and also complete the required online independent learning.

Book your place now: https://www.unipol.org.uk/event/details/mental-health-first-aid-(2)

Pause for the Summer

Please note that some areas of Unipol Training and Events programme will briefly pause over Summer, with MHFA continuing. Further events and training will return in the Autumn Term.

If you have recognised an area your organisation would benefit from training in, please email [email protected] 

New Eviction Regulations – Updated Government Guidance for Landlords and Tenants

The ‘Eviction Ban’ formally ended on 31^st May 2021, and updated Guidance for Landlords and Tenants is now available on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants

Complaints Overview

From 1st September 2020 to 27th May 2021 the National Code Complaints and Enquiries received 278 complaints (compared with 189 at the same time in 2020). In line with the previous month, complaints are beginning to slow, however with the end of tenancy approaching we may see a small rise. Full complaints data can be accessed here.

Complaints by Month 2020-2021
2021	Number of Complaints
January	28
February	79
March	46
April	23
May	20
Total	196

Demand for Student Accommodation Remains High New Data Shows

New data released by UniHomes has indicated that the despite the challenges of the pandemic, the demand for accommodation has remained high.

The data shows which UK Univeristies have seen consistent student numbers, maintain rental yields in the surrounding areas by analysing rental yields in postcodes surrounding main campuses of the top 100 UK universities and considered how they had changed since the start of 2020.

Phil Greaves, Co-Founder and Director of UniHomes, said: “Despite the pandemic and the restrictions imposed around face to face teaching for much of the last university year, we’ve seen consistent demand from students looking for properties.

"We understand that living away from home to attend university is a massive part of the student experience. Even now, most will have secured a property for the next academic year, however, we are still witnessing high demand in key areas.

"This demonstrates the strength of the sector and with the appetite for student rentals only set to grow, we should see this positive trend continue as we approach the new university year.”