Pioneering university lettings agency celebrates record year

A pioneering lettings agency that allocates second and subsequent year students with private sector and university-owned homes has delivered its best ever year.

Domus - relaunched in summer 2018 – has housed students across more than 300 properties in Edinburgh, providing accommodation for 860 students.

Operated by The University of Edinburgh’s Domus team, landlords can receive a rental income with the university itself managing all aspects of the lettings.

Now the agency wants more landlords for the 2019-2020 academic year, which kicks off in just a few weeks.

Michelle Christian, director of property at The University of Edinburgh Accommodation Catering and Events, says: “Domus takes away so much of the stress out of letting, guarantees rental and manages all aspects of student tenancies. So much so, we would welcome many more through the door – as we could comfortably allocate many more homes than we currently have available.

“Students love the service too – it helps them to ensure they get a suitable and comfortable home with a landlord they know and trust - with students at the heart of what they do.

“Finding somewhere to rent in Edinburgh can be difficult for students, especially as for many this will be their first time entering a rental agreement and we can help them.”

Provided the homes are available for the new academic year in early September, the leases can be flexible, with either 12 or nine month options: all surplus profits generated by the agency are also kept within the university, for wider benefit to students.