How the Renters’ Rights Act Affects Cheltenham House Shares

Posted on 21 March 202614 March 2026 by Fred Simons

The UK rental market is undergoing its biggest change in decades. With the introduction of new legislation, many renters are wondering how their living situations will change. Whether you are a student or a professional, understanding the Renters Rights Act in the Cheltenham landscape is essential for your next move.

Here is a simple guide to what the new rules mean for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and why the traditional student house share is changing.

The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies Under the Renters Rights Act in Cheltenham

The most significant change in the Renters’ Rights Act is the shift away from fixed-term contracts. Previously, renters would sign a 12-month lease. Now, tenancies are moving to “rolling” or periodic contracts from day one. For tenants, this offers incredible flexibility. You are no longer locked into a rigid year-long contract if your job relocates or your circumstances change.

The Pitfall for Traditional Student Housing

While flexibility is great, this rule creates a major pitfall for the traditional student market. Universities operate on a strict academic cycle (usually September to July). Under the new laws, a landlord cannot guarantee a house will be empty in September for the next group of students unless the current household is made up entirely of full-time students. If even one housemate is a part-time student or a recent graduate, the landlord cannot easily recover the property for the next academic year. As a result, many traditional student houses are disappearing from the market.

The Rise of the Blended Professional HMO

Because of these changes, the market is shifting. We are seeing a huge rise in high-end, blended house shares. These are properties designed for a mix of young professionals, recent graduates, and mature or postgraduate students. Instead of forcing everyone into a strict academic cycle, these houses embrace the new rolling tenancies. This creates a more stable, mature, and long-term community.

Navigating the Renters Rights Act in Cheltenham

At Athena Projects, we have adapted to these changes to protect our tenants. We curate premium, all-inclusive homes specifically designed for this new blended market. By offering individual room tenancies, we give you the flexibility the law intended without the stress of managing joint contracts. If you are looking for a secure, high-quality room that complies perfectly with the Renters Rights Act guidelines in Cheltenham guidelines, check out our available properties today to secure your hassle-free move.

Individual student tenancies in Cheltenham | Guide

Posted on 10 March 20262 March 2026 by Fred Simons

When it comes to securing a house for the next academic year, the paperwork is often the most confusing part. If you are searching solo or your original group has changed, understanding how individual student tenancies in Cheltenham work compared to standard joint agreements is absolutely vital.

Before you sign on the dotted line, here is a simple breakdown of the two main types of student contracts to help you understand your options.

What is a Joint Tenancy?

A joint tenancy is the most common contract for established groups of students. In this setup, you and your housemates all sign the exact same agreement with the landlord.

Consequently, you are all jointly responsible for the property. If one person decides to leave university early and stops paying their rent, the remaining housemates are technically liable to cover their shortfall. While this is great for tight-knit groups of six, it can be slightly daunting if you are moving in with people you have just met. (You can read more about joint liabilities on the Citizens Advice website).

The benefits of individual student tenancies in Cheltenham

If you are joining a house share alone, finding an individual room setup is generally the preferred route. In this scenario, agreements are structured around your specific bedroom and your shared use of the communal areas.

Financial clarity: You generally know exactly what your own financial responsibilities are from day one.
Easier bills: Landlords offering individual rooms often include utilities in the rent, which stops you from having to split [student bills in Cheltenham] with strangers.
Community without the pressure: It allows solo students to enjoy the social perks of a large, buzzing student house without the pressure of coordinating a massive joint group.

The Athena Projects Approach: Hassle-Free Room Bookings

At Athena Projects, we understand that finding the perfect setup can be stressful. We believe solo students shouldn’t have to miss out on our premium 6-bedroom properties just because they don’t have a pre-made group.

That is why we offer hassle-free individual room bookings. We curate fantastic, high-quality house shares so you can get the vibrant community of a large house without the stress of finding five other people to sign with!

We currently have individual rooms available to book at:

5 St. Paul’s Street North: A highly social, vibrant house just 3 minutes from the FCH campus.
24 Granville Street: A stunning, spacious property offering immediate access to both the university and the town centre.

Don’t let contract confusion stop you from finding your perfect room. Get in touch with us today to discuss our flexible agreements and book a viewing!

Student Room near Francis Close Hall – Spring Guide

Posted on 5 March 20262 March 2026 by Fred Simons

As the Spring term rolls on, many students start to panic if they haven’t sorted their housing for the next academic year. However, if you are currently looking for a student room near Francis Close Hall (FCH), you can officially take a deep breath.

While the initial autumn rush gets a lot of attention, Spring is actually a fantastic time to find high-quality individual rooms. Whether you are a late applicant or your previous group plans changed, there are still excellent options available right on the doorstep of the University of Gloucestershire FCH campus.

Why finding a student room near Francis Close Hall in Spring is a smart move

Searching for housing a bit later in the year comes with some surprising advantages for solo students:

Ready-made communities: Instead of trying to coordinate a massive group of six from scratch, you can often step into a house share where some fantastic students are already signed on.
Clearer budgets: By Spring, you generally have a much better handle on your student finance and living costs, making it easier to choose a room that fits your budget.
Less pressure: The frantic rush of November is over. Consequently, you can take your time viewing properties to ensure the house is well-maintained and a good fit for you.

Top tips for your FCH Spring house hunt

When you are searching for an individual room, your priorities should be location, comfort, and local amenities.

Focus on the right streets: Look at highly rated student hubs like St. Paul’s Lane, St. Paul’s Street North, and Granville Street. Living on these streets means you are just a 3-minute walk from the 24/7 FCH Library for those late-night study sessions!
Maximise your downtime: Look for houses situated between the beautiful “Hogwarts-style” FCH campus and the town centre. This puts you just minutes away from Pittville Park and the buzzing Brewery Quarter (hello, Nando’s and Tesco Express!).
Use a checklist: Furthermore, don’t forget the practical details! Bring our handy [student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham] with you to every viewing.

Secure your room today

At Cheltenham Student Homes, we specialise in high-quality, family-run properties perfectly suited for FCH students. We frequently offer individual room bookings in our premium 6-bedroom shared houses.

Two of our most popular locations for students looking for a student room near Francis Close Hall are:

5 St. Paul’s Street North: Located right in the heart of the student community, just a 3-minute walk to campus. It is a brilliant environment for joining a house share and instantly finding a community.
24 Granville Street: Offering the absolute best of both worlds. It is a quick stroll to FCH, but also perfectly positioned for immediate access to the High Street shops and town centre nightlife.

Don’t leave your housing to the very last minute. Get in touch with us today to see our current individual room availability and book your viewing!

Condensation and Mould Prevention

Posted on 25 November 20251 March 2026 by Fred Simons

The Basics of Condensation and Mould Prevention

In a student house, lots of day-to-day activities create moisture: cooking, showering, drying clothes and even breathing. Each person can add around 2 litres of water into the air every day. Understanding the basics of condensation and mould prevention is key to keeping your student home healthy and comfortable throughout the year.

When warm, moist air hits a cold surface – like windows, external walls or behind furniture – it turns into water droplets. This is condensation. If that moisture isn’t dealt with, it can lead to mould, which isn’t good for your health or the property.

This guide covers everything you need to know about condensation and mould prevention in your Cheltenham student House.

Everyday habits for condensation and mould prevention

1. Drying clothes

Dry clothes outside where possible.
If you have a tumble dryer, use it according to the instructions.
If you must dry clothes indoors, use an airer in a well-ventilated room with the window slightly open and the door closed.
Avoid drying clothes on radiators – it creates a lot of moisture in a small space.

2. Ventilation (letting moist air escape)

Use trickle vents on your windows and keep them open to improve airflow.
If your windows have a “vent” or “night latch” position, use it when safe to do so.
Don’t block air bricks or vents with furniture or belongings.
Open windows for 5–10 minutes after cooking or showering to let steam out.

3. Extraction fans

Bathroom extractor fan – turn it on before you shower and leave it running for at least 15 minutes afterwards.
Kitchen extractor fan – use it whenever you cook, especially when boiling or frying.
Keep the bathroom and kitchen doors closed while using them so moisture doesn’t spread to the rest of the house.

If an extractor fan is noisy, broken, or not working properly, let your landlord or agent know so it can be checked.

4. Heating and room temperature

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a room temperature of around 18°C in winter for healthy adults.

Try to keep your heating at a low, steady level, rather than turning it off completely and then blasting it.
Very cold rooms are more likely to develop condensation and mould.
If your rent includes bills with a fair usage cap, read our guide:
[What “Bills Included” Really Means in a Student House].

5. Furniture placement and airflow

Leave a small gap between furniture and external walls so air can circulate.
Avoid pushing wardrobes or beds tight against cold outside walls.
Keep the tops of radiators and heaters clear so warm air can move around the room.

Practical Steps for Condensation and Mould Prevention

Small amounts of condensation are normal, especially in winter. The key is dealing with it quickly:

Wipe condensation from windows, sills and tiles with a cloth or squeegee each morning.
Wring the cloth out into the sink.
If you notice small patches of mould, clean them with a suitable mould and mildew remover, following the instructions on the label and ventilating the room.

When to contact your landlord or agent

Tell your landlord/agent if you notice any of the following:

Mould patches bigger than an A4 sheet of paper.
Mould coming back quickly after cleaning.
A persistent damp or musty smell you can’t get rid of.
Leaking pipes, gutters, roof leaks or water coming through walls or ceilings.
Broken extractor fans or windows that don’t open properly.

Your landlord is responsible for dealing with structural issues and repairs, but you’re expected to follow reasonable steps to ventilate and heat the property as part of your day-to-day condensation and mould prevention.

Student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham

Posted on 13 November 20252 March 2026 by joe

The rental market moves incredibly fast, which is why having a student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham is essential. Whether you are leaving university halls for the first time or looking for a quieter spot for your final year, finding the perfect place can feel a bit overwhelming.

To help you stay organized, ask the right questions during viewings, and avoid nasty surprises later on, we have put together this comprehensive checklist. Save it to your phone and use it at every viewing!

The ultimate student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham

1. Location & Travel

Don’t just look at the house; look at the journey.

Campus proximity: Test the actual walking time to Francis Close Hall (FCH) or Park Campus.
Transport links: Check local bus routes, their frequency, and whether there are reliable night services.
Safety: Take note of the street lighting on your walk home and check if the area feels secure and well-lit at night.

2. Condition & Safety

Never just glance at a room—look closely at the walls and ceilings.

Damp and mould: Look for signs of damp, mould, or excessive condensation around windows, behind beds, and in bathrooms. (Read our guide on [Condensation and Mould Prevention] for more tips).
Certificates: Always ask the landlord or agent to see recent, valid gas and electrical safety checks.
Security: Ensure there are working smoke alarms, solid locks on external doors and ground-floor windows, and safe escape routes in case of an emergency.

3. The Practical Bits

These everyday details can make or break a student house.

Water & Heating: Turn on the shower to check the water pressure and ask how the heating controls work.
Study space: Ensure there is enough space for a proper desk in the bedrooms, and ask about the broadband speeds in the area.
The exterior: Check where the bins are stored, ask about secure bike storage, and check with Cheltenham Borough Council to see if you will need to apply for a parking permit.

4. The final checks on your student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham

Never rush the paperwork.

The Contract: Read the tenancy agreement carefully. If anything is unclear, ask for it in writing.
The Costs: Make sure you fully understand the deposit protection scheme, any guarantor requirements, and exactly which bills are included.
Move-in Day: Always agree on a detailed inventory before you unpack, and take date-stamped photos of every room on the day you move in.

Using this student house-hunting checklist for Cheltenham will give you the confidence to secure a great home. Ready to start looking? Check out our available properties today!

Best areas for students near Francis Close Hall

Posted on 13 November 20252 March 2026 by joe

If you are looking for student houses near Francis Close Hall (FCH), the ‘holy grail’ of student living is finding a spot where you can roll out of bed 10 minutes before a lecture and still arrive early.

We know that for FCH students, every minute of sleep counts. That is why our portfolio is focused on the best streets in St. Paul’s and the surrounding area.

Here is a guide to the best spots and the specific houses available for the 2026/27 academic year, ranked by walking time to campus.

The 1-Minute Walk Zone: Student houses near Francis Close Hall

Time to Campus: 1 Minute ⏱️

If you want to be virtually on campus, this is the spot. Furthermore, St. Paul’s Lane is tucked away just off the main road, offering a rare combination: it is incredibly central but slightly removed from the noise of the main street. You can leave your front door at 8:55 am and be in your lecture by 9:00 am.

👉 View our house at 5 St. Paul’s Lane (1 Min Walk)

2. The Student Hub: St. Paul’s Street North

Time to Campus: 3 Minutes ⏱️

St. Paul’s Street North is the heart of the FCH student community. It is a vibrant street packed with other students, meaning you are right in the middle of the social buzz. A 3-minute walk means you are close enough to pop home for lunch or forgotten books without a second thought.

👉 View our house at 5 St. Paul’s Street North (3 Min Walk)

3. Town Centre Access: Granville Street

Time to Campus: 3 Minutes ⏱️

Granville Street is a fantastic option if you want to be incredibly close to campus but also want immediate access to the town centre amenities. It is a fast 3-minute walk to uni, but you are also perfectly positioned for the High Street shops, part-time jobs, and Cheltenham’s nightlife.

👉 View our house at 24 Granville Street (3 Min Walk)

4. The “Best of Both Worlds”: Albert Street

Time to Campus: 6 Minutes ⏱️

Located towards the Pittville side of St. Paul’s, Albert Street offers a slightly different vibe. You are still just a quick 6-minute stroll from the lecture halls, but you are also right next to the stunning Pittville Park. It is ideal for groups who want the convenience of St. Paul’s with a bit more green space on their doorstep.

👉 View our house at 28 Albert Street (6 Min Walk)

Summary: Finding the best student houses near Francis Close Hall

Closest to Uni: St. Paul’s Lane (1 min)
Most Social Street: St. Paul’s Street North (3 mins)
Town & Gown: Granville Street (3 mins)
Near the Park: Albert Street (6 mins)

Ready to secure your house for next year? We are a family-run business, meaning you deal with us directly. Our houses in these prime locations go quickly.

Book a Viewing Now

Category: Student Guides