Finding properties to view
On this page
There are many property providers in Bristol, as well as plenty of direct let opportunities. Use our Google areas map to help discover the areas in Bristol and see what the commute times are like from different parts of the city. You can then use some of the resources on this page to find properties in the different areas of Bristol.
Bristol SU Lettings
Bristol SU Lettings is a lettings service managed by The University of Bristol's Students Union - this should be the first place you look. They offer a full range of private accommodation options for individuals and or groups. They can offer expert advice and all their landlords sign a code of conduct and commit to providing a fair and professional service.
HYBR
HYBR is a lettings agency set up by students, for students. They offer property listings throughout Bristol.
Bulletin Board
The Bulletin Board is a platform where University of Bristol students can post messages either looking for accommodation or advertising rooms available. Students should register using their University email account for ease of validation. If you do not have a University email address, we will verify your student status before approving your account.
Other letting agencies
To find other letting agents in different areas of Bristol use Rightmove:
- On the Rightmove home page, click on ‘Find agent’ (at the top) then on ‘Find estate agents’.
- Type in an area or a postcode for the area you’re interested in.
- Click on the arrow on the right to select how far from your area you’re interested in.
Always use an agency who is a member of a redress scheme and a Client Money Protection Scheme, and preferably one who is also a member of a professional body e.g. Propertymark, UKALA or BALMA.
Direct let opportunities
In Bristol there are a variety of rooms available to let directly via the landlord. This means that you can let from the landlord rather than going through a letting agency. You can search for rooms or properties available on Rent Bunk, Roomies and Spare Room.
Purpose built student accommodation
In Bristol there are a number of large properties built or refurbished by private developers specifically for students. They offer tenancies of a minimum of 43 – 51 weeks. You can find details of these in our purpose built student accommodation webpage.
Viewings
When you go to view a property, if possible, always ask the current tenants about the property, the landlord and how the tenancy has gone for them. Other important things to look out for are the cleanliness of the property and any obvious signs of disrepair or issues like mould. Check which of the furniture and appliances are supplied and ask about the wifi provision. You should also check that your journey to campus will be manageable, by locating the nearest transport links.
It can be worth looking for a house viewing checklist to take with you.
If you are overseas and not able to view a property in person, ask the agent or landlord for a live tour of the property via whatsapp/messenger/facetime. This gives you the chance to see the accommodation before committing. If the landlord agrees then it also gives you extra assurance that it is not a scam.
Renting safety
Unfortunately, there are lots of housing scams in the UK where people pose as landlords and ask for large sums of money for accommodation that doesn’t exist. If you lose money in this type of scam it is not always possible to get it back. Never transfer money unless you are 100% sure that the situation is authentic. Tips to identify and avoid potential scams can be found on the Action Fraud website.
If you think you have been scammed, you should report it to Action Fraud. This is a national fraud reporting initiative where the scam will be looked at and possibly passed on for investigation by the police.
If you’re viewing a property, always try to take someone with you. If you have to go alone make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you will be back.