The National Codes of Standards:

• Is for providers of large student developments (halls of residence) who volunteer to join and agree to meet professional standards for their accommodation and how they manage it.
• Allows you (the student) and your parents to identify the standard of accommodation.
• Includes a system of checking that standards are maintained.
• Allow you to identify an accredited development by looking for the National Codes badge:

A third of students live in purpose built student accommodation (known as private halls or halls of residence) and 39% of students live in halls provided by private suppliers. They usually include a number of studio rooms or flats with study bedrooms and shared kitchen facilities. Due to their size and the number of tenants, the management of these developments can get a bit tricky. The National Codes aim to step in and set the standards for proper, specialist management providing a professional level of standards to you (the tenant). These include a set of standards for the quality of accommodation and accommodation management.

The standards have all been carefully chosen to include a balance of common sense obligations (such as fire and gas regulations or health and safety precautions) and responsibilities between landlords and tenants (such as timings for maintenance work or the protection of deposits). They reflect the best practice guidelines in the sector as well as what you (a typical student) and your parents would expect of a good quality housing supplier. To prove this, the standards are supported by the National Union of Students, the voice of students in UK.

For both landlords and tenants, sticking to the Code means that:

• Everyone can enjoy the benefits of good standards of housing and housing management.
• Any misunderstandings or disputes are reduced.
• And should any problems occur, they are quickly resolved.

There are two Codes: one for housing owned and managed by education establishments (such as universities or colleges) and one for developments managed by private operators. They have the same objective but each addresses the specific needs for the two different types of providers: so you can be sure everything has been covered!

The National Codes are supported by:

• Nation Union of Students (NUS)
• Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
• The Welsh Assembly
• Accreditation Network UK (ANUK)
• Association for Student Residential Accommodation (ASRA)
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers (CIEH)
• Association of College and University Business Officers (CUBO)
• Universities UK (UUK)

If you would like more information about the National Codes click here. You can also download a copy of the National Codes set of standards here.