How much does it cost?
The cost of your rent will depend on where your homestay is, whether you choose catered or self-catered and whether you share with another student.
| Catered/self-catered | Weekly costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | catered | from £135 per week |
| Single room | self-catered | from £105 per week |
| Shared room* | catered | from £120 per week |
| Shared room* | self-catered | from £90 per week |
*Rooms are shared with another University of Brighton student of the same sex.
Payments
You must pay the university directly for your accommodation. You pay two weeks rent in advance at the beginning of your stay and then pay monthly in advance. Please ensure you pay your rent promptly.
Problems paying
It is important to pay promptly and the university is entitled to charge interest at seven per cent annually where payment is late. We are entitled to terminate your accommodation contract if payment is overdue by 28 days or more.
If you think you may have a problem paying your rent please arrange to see someone in the income office (01273 642592) as soon as possible.
You can also speak to the student advice service (01273 642888) for advice on loans or grants, or visit Moneymatters.
Damage deposit
You do not pay any deposit to the university, but you will have to pay your host for any damage you cause to the property that does not constitute fair wear and tear.
Your host may ask you to pay a deposit to cover any damage, but this is a matter between you and your host. If you pay a deposit, it does not have to be protected in an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme, because you are sharing living accommodation with the owner.
The university will not pay for any damage or loss caused by students, and will not get involved in any deposit disputes.
Council tax
Students studying full-time (21 hours per week or more) are exempt from any council tax liability. Full-time students living with non-students or part-time students (less than 21 hours a week) and who rent or own a property jointly, are exempt from any council tax liability. You will need to ensure that the council receive an exemption certificate confirming their status. The non-students or part-time students will be made liable for council tax. If there is only one non-student or part-time student resident in the property then a 25% council tax discount will be applied.
Full-time students living in Brighton and Hove can apply for a council tax reduction via the council website. Full-time students living elsewhere can request a letter from their local Registry Office or by emailing studentadministration@brighton.ac.uk.
Keep your copy safe as duplicates will only be issued in exceptional circumstances.
Cancelling your homestay
You should give at least two weeks’ notice if you want to leave your homestay. It is more usual to give a months’ notice. The host is also expected to give you at least two weeks’ notice if they want you to leave. You can negotiate a longer notice period with your host.
You should make sure you strike the balance between having notice that is long enough to find somewhere else to live, and not being locked into an agreement for longer than you would want.
