Finding private housing
Finding somewhere to rent can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are new to the city, or even to the UK.
We have compiled some helpful information sources on privately-rented accommodation in Edinburgh that will help you in your search.
Studentpad
The Studentpad website has detailed adverts for privately rented accommodation in self-contained flats for groups of students, couples and families.
It has several message boards, on which you can post notices if you have a spare room to let, if you are looking for a vacancy for yourself, or if you want to team up with others in a similar situation.
There is also a useful forum for anyone seeking short-term accommodation (between 1 and 3 months).
EUSA
The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) website contains an Accommodation section.
This provides very useful information about what to look for and expect when taking up a tenancy in the private sector. The EUSA website also also provides links to the most common websites used by students looking for accommodation in Edinburgh.
Accommodation Advice Centre
In early September, Accommodation Services operates an Accommodation Advice Centre [AAC], based at Pollock Halls.
The AAC is specifically designed to assist both groups of students and individuals who are still looking for accommodation for the upcoming University year.
Many groups of students who live together actually met their flatmates for the first time at the AAC.
In 2013, the AAC will be open from Monday 2nd to Friday 13th September (including weekends), from 10am to 4pm each day.
Lease and tenancy agreement advice
If you wish, staff in Accommodation Services' Private Sector Department will check over any lease (tenancy agreement) you are asked to sign, to ensure there are no hidden surprises among the small print.
A similar service is offered by the Advice Place, an advisory service run by the Students' Association.
There are Advice Places at Bristo Square and King's Buildings.
Property agents and lawyers
Flats to rent are sometimes managed and advertised directly by the owners themselves, often using local newspapers.
However, owners will often employ an agent to manage the business - from advertising vacant accommodation, through completing legal formalities like signing a lease, to dealing with repairs and maintenance.
There are numerous firms of estate agents and property managers in Edinburgh, and many firms of solicitors (lawyers) also specialise in the buying, selling and renting of property.
- A list of Edinburgh area estate agents and property managers
- The ESPC (Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre)
Newspapers
Free newspapers or student newspapers are available around the University, and in student centres such as Potterrow.
The Scotsman (on Thursdays) and the Edinburgh Evening News both carry property adverts.
Noticeboards
All the main buildings around the campus have noticeboards on which you'll find adverts for flats and vacant rooms that are available to let.
Places such as the Student Centre at Potterrow naturally tend to have more adverts than the smaller departmental noticeboards.
Boards in the lobby areas of some of the larger University buildings, such as David Hume Tower, are also usually good sources of information.
This article was published on May 13, 2013