What are the codes?
Information can be found on the website
http://uukcode.info
The Housing Act calls for the mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Most student accommodation falls within the HMO definition, however if the sheer size and scale of these developments in comparison to a 'student house' means it has to be treated, and managed, differently. To license large student accommodation in the same way off street properties are licensed would be a logistical nightmare and incredibly expensive!
Consequently, when developing the Housing Act 2004, the government agreed to "exempt" educational establishments from mandatory HMO licensing provided they signed up to a code of management practice, approved by the government.
The Codes of Management Practice are voluntary, aspirational and seek to raise standards above that which is required by law. They aim to help those managing student accommodation to identify the key elements of good management practice. The codes therefore set out standards to measure the good management practice of student accommodation (this could be anything from health and safety to mail delivery to returning of deposits).
There are different codes that instututions can sign up to; the ANUK/Unipol code was first developed for privately owned accommodation, though now has both codes for private halls and university managed halls. The UUK/GuildHE code was developed for educational establishments.
You can find if your halls are a signed up to a code by checking the membership lists of the two codes
Why are the codes important?
NUS has been involved in developing these codes from the start because these codes and accreditation more widely are essential in ensuring students enjoy high housing standards during their studies, but that also these expectations are carried into the private rented sector more broadly. Consequently students can be considered 'pathfinders', testing out these new standards and then carrying over their expectations when they stop being students, thus having an impact on the private rented sector as a whole.
The codes are important to all students living in student accommodation as they set standards for accommodation providers to meet as well as a system by which you can complain if your accommodation does not meet these standards.
The codes in theory ensure that those managing your accommodation are committed to raising standards and employing good management practice, which then in turn ensures not only good physical standards where you live but a broad spectrum of good quality services (such as refuse collection or recycling to support and care when you need it). The codes allow you to gauge your accommodation against a set of standards, and if it doesn't meet these standards there is a complaints procedure in place.
How do I use the codes?
- By knowing they exist
It is actually an essential feature in the codes that your accommodation provider lets you know about the codes. This may be through information in welcome packs, posters and marketing material around the building(s) and a clearly defined complaints procedure.
You should ensure you are going for accommodation that is signed up to the codes to safeguard you and ensure you get the best possible accommodation.
- By knowing the complaints procedure should you need it
Regardless of what code your institution is signed up to, in theory you should be able to expect the accommodation provider to be committed to higher standards of management. However, undoubtedly there will be times when accommodation does not meet the standards laid out in the codes. It is vital this is flagged up as to alert both the accommodation providers but also those managing the codes of the types of problems that are occurring and ensure they are rectified.
If in university-managed accommodation:
If you are not happy with the way your hall of residence is being run, use your university's internal complaints procedure (ask about this at the accommodation office) and lodge a complaint under their Code of Standards (most will have sign up to either the UUK Code or the ANUK Code). Ask your students' union to support your claim. Alternatively, many universities post copies of their complaint procedure on the university's website.
If you have been through the internal complaint procedure and you are not satisfied with the end result, you can get in touch with the OIA if you are studying in England or Wales: For more information, go to: http://www.oiahe.org.uk
If you live in a private hall:
They should have a complaint procedure too, and it is very likely they are signed up to the ANUK Code of standards, which guarantees good management practices. If you are not happy with your hall, ask to see the Code and use its complaints procedure. Ask your students' union to support you. If the problem is not resolved, then you should lodge a complaint with the national code administrator - the details of which can be found on the website. If you believe a university/college/accommodation provider is behaving really badly and providing terrible accommodation to their students, it is CRUCIAL you inform NUS about it. NUS belongs to the UUK and ANUK/Unipol boards of management, and have the chance to rectify things for students. For more information on the UUK Code of standards for universities halls of residence (covering England and Wales only), visit our Accommodation Code of Practice section.
For more information on the ANUK Code of standards (covering most private halls in the UK, and a number of universities and colleges in England and Wales) visit:
http://www.anuk.org.uk/LargeCode/code.asp
And remember…
Make use of your students' union
If many students share the same problem or if your problem is quite serious, it is always a good idea to talk to your students' union welfare officer. He/she can help you to put extra pressure on the university/private hall to act. You can find your students' union on your university's campus. Your students' union can also help you out if you are not quite sure how to bring in a complaint, or if you have any other issues. Contact your local authority
If you think your health is seriously in danger in your hall of residence and your university/private hall is not acting appropriately after you've informed them of the problem, get in touch with your city council housing or health and safety service. You can find their details on your city council's website.