FAQs about University staff housing
How to apply
How do I apply for University staff accommodation?
To apply for one of our University-managed staff properties, please complete our long-stay or short-stay online application form.
Who can apply for accommodation?
Visiting staff, permanent staff and research assistants can apply for accommodation. Priority will be given to staff coming to Bristol from overseas
How long can I stay?
The minimum term is normally three months, maximum normally 12 months.
How much will I have to pay and when?
Your rent will depend on the property. You can see approximate costs on the our properties page.
The exact amount of rent for the property you have been offered will also be shown on your tenancy documents.
You will be asked to pay one month’s rent in advance in order to secure the property.
Wherever possible we will arrange for you to pay by deduction for your salary. This will be explained in more detail if we are able to offer you a tenancy.
What type of tenancy will I have?
Our normal agreements are fixed term assured shorthold contracts. You can ask to see a sample contract at any stage.
How do I reserve a property?
If we are able to offer you a tenancy and you let us know that you want to rent a property we will send you:
- Rent in advance instructions - payment can be made with a credit or debit card via the University of Bristol online shop.
- your tenancy agreement which you must sign and return to us.
You can return these documents by email or post.
Once we have received confirmation of your payment the property will be reserved for you.
If I take a property how much notice must I give before I can leave?
You will be liable for the rent until the end of the fixed term or until a replacement tenant is found.
If you need to move out before the end of the fixed term please give us as much notice as possible so we can help you find a replacement tenant.
Before you arrive
When can I get my keys and where do I collect them?
Your keys will be available on the arrival date from 12 pm in the Security Office at Royal Fort Lodge, Tyndall Park. They are open 24 hours a day. You will need to take ID with you such as a passport or driving licence.
What do you supply in your houses?
All the properties are furnished and this normally includes:
- Kitchen - washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave, oven and hob, iron, ironing board, kettle, toaster.
- Lounge – sofas, coffee table, storage unit, TV
- Bedrooms – bed, mattress, wardrobe and storage space
We will provide an inventory for your property.
Unless you are staying at Principal's House, bed linen (sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases) and towels are not provided in our properties so you will need to bring your own. You can order bedding packs online from Pattersons.
What is included in the inclusive rent, do I have to pay council tax?
All our rents are inclusive of all bills this includes:
- Gas (maximum use applies for non shared houses – see tenancy agreement)
- Electricity (maximum use applies for non shared houses – see tenancy agreement)
- Water
- Sewage
- Council Tax
- TV Licence
What must I pay before I arrive?
You will need to pay your first months rent before your arrival date in order that we can secure the property for you. Payment can be made via the University of Bristol online shop, instructions will be sent to you. Please note that although University of Bristol takes all reasonable precautions to protect your card details we cannot guarantee their security and as such will not be liable for any costs incurred should this card details be accessed and used by any third party.
What happens if I change my mind and do not want the room/property?
You can cancel the agreement within seven days of signing your tenancy unless you have already moved in, you will will have any payments refunded less an administration fee of £65.00. After seven days if we have an unlet period at the property as a result of your cancellation we reserve the right to withhold a proportion of the rent in advance payment plus £65.00 administration fee to compensate us for our losses.
During your stay
My room/property is not as I would expect on arrival, what do I do?
If your room/property is not as expected, report it to the Staff Residential Lettings Team. We will do our best to rectify any problems. It is essential you do this immediately as any unreported damage or unclean properties may result in a charge to the tenant.
I have post at the property which is not for me, what do I do with it?
Please put post addressed to previous tenants into the University’s internal mail addressed to Staff Residential Lettings, Goldney House, Lower Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BH.
I have a problem in my flat/house, who do I contact?
If the problem occurs between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday contact Staff Residential Lettings or telephone +44 (0)117 42 83255.
If the problem occurs outside these hours and is urgent (floods, major leaks, burglary, heating breakdown, etc) call the Security Office on +44 (0)117 331 12233. Please only use this number in an emergency, misuse may result in a charge to the tenant.
I want to put up a shelf/mirror/picture etc, is this allowed?
You should not put anything on the wall or any other part of the property without the express written permission from the Staff Residential Lettings team.
If we are able to agree with your request it is likely that we will require our own maintenance team to carry out the work and depending on the work and cost we may charge you for this. You will of course be notified of the expected costs before work takes place. Please send any requests to staff-lettings@bristol.ac.uk and wait for a written response before you begin any works.
When do I need to put my bins out and what do I use each bin for?
Please refer to your welcome pack for details on recycling. You can find more information and your collection dates on Bristol City Council's recycling page.
Where are local shops and facilities?
To find out more about your area, see your property information document or take a look at some popular areas.
I am ill what do I do?
Your nearest doctors surgery is listed in the property information document, however if it is an emergency you should visit Accident and Emergency at the Bristol Royal Infirmary Hospital. For further advice call the NHS non-emergency number on 111, or visit the NHS Choices website.
Television, telephones and internet
I have a problem with my internet account, what do I do?
- For Eduroam, visit the University's Eduroam pages.
- If you have arranged the broadband at your property yourself, please contact the company directly.
There is a phone provided in my shared house can I use it?
Some shared houses have a telephone supplied; these are for incoming calls only. Emergency calls may be made from the phone with the permission of the Staff Residential Lettings team. If it is out of hours an email should be sent to staff-lettings@bristol.ac.uk to notify us that the phone was used, the reason, the date and time and the number called. You will then be billed for the cost of this call.
If there is no phone supplied, we cannot allow any lines to be installed. We would recommend using a pay as you go mobile phone.
There is a phone in my property which I have rented for my/my families use, can I use it?
If there is a phone at the property already, you must inform Staff Residential Lettings upon arrival that you wish to use the phone for the duration of your stay. We will then notify you of the terms. You will be charged for all calls you make during the stay and may be charged for line rental.
If there is no phone, please check with Staff Residential Lettings. In some cases, and if your stay is for 12 months, we can allow a line to be installed.
I have internet access in my house, how do I access this?
Please refer to the property information document for details on how to log on to the internet. In the event of a problem please contact us.
Can I have Sky or Virgin TV installed in my house?
If you are in a shared house you are not permitted to have a contract set up at the house.
If you are in a property let for your/family use we can consider this in some circumstance and if you have a 12 month agreement, please email us at staff-lettings@bristol.ac.uk.
There is a TV in my shared house; can I buy my own for my room as well?
The TV license that the University pays for covers the communal room only. Should you decide you wish to purchase a TV for your bedroom, you are expected to purchase a TV license of your own. Failure to do so could mean you receive a substantial fine. Therefore we recommend you do not purchase your own TV.
Please see the TV licensing website for details.
When you leave
I have decided I want to leave and know when I will need to move out, what do I do?
You should notify Staff Residential Lettings as soon as possible. If you wish to leave before the end of your fixed term you will remain liable for the rent on the property until a replacement tenant is found. It is the tenant’s responsibility to find a replacement but the Staff Residential Lettings team may be able to help.
If you want to move out at the end of your fixed term please confirm this when we contact you two month’s before the end of your contract.
What do I need to do when I leave?
As part of our inspections we ask that the property be cleaned to a reasonable standard, especially the bathroom and kitchen areas (including cleaning and defrosting the fridge/freezer, ensuring the oven is cleaned and to ensure the shower curtain is washed and re-hung if supplied).
We also ask that all carpets be vacuumed and the house be dusted as much as possible.
All University equipment (microwave, kettle, crockery etc) should be clear from any grease or lime-scale and all furniture should be relocated back to its original position within the house.
All personal items should be removed, including any rubbish and food waste and this should be disposed of using the appropriate recycling or rubbish facilities.
We may charge the tenant for:
- Any damage to the property or its contents apart from normal wear and tear.
- Any costs incurred in removing a tenant’s rubbish or possessions.
- Any costs for extra cleaning
- Any replacement items including keys.
What do I do with my keys?
Your keys should be left with Security Services at Royal Fort Lodge, Tyndall Avenue on the day you leave in an envelope marked for the attention of Staff Residential Lettings.
What happens to my post when I leave?
Please make sure that you arrange for your mail to be redirected by Royal mail with effect from your moving out date. We regret that we are unable to forward on any mail after this date.
How to apply
To apply for one of our University-managed staff properties, please complete our long-stay or short-stay online application form.
We are not able to guarantee an offer of accommodation when you apply. You will be put on our application tracker and we will be in touch if we can offer you accommodation that matches your specific requirements.