Why a great show matters for student landlords
A successful open day is the single best way to show prospective tenants the real value of your house. It shortens vacancy times and builds trust among students and parents.
Open days let you move interested students from “maybe” to “signed” by creating presence, clear expectations and an emotional connection to the property. As a UK landlord of a student house, a professional show proves to the students you are reliable and will enable you to find good, long-term tenants. This process can be simplified with the help of StudentTenant.com because landlords will be able to advertise on their open days to a large number of potential tenants, organise viewings, and pursue leads.
How should I show my student property during an open day in the UK?
Before the viewing, prepare a short, professional welcome that sets the tone and expectations for the show in one calm message.
Set a single meeting point and check-in process.
Display clear signage and safety information.
Offer a printed or digital property summary.
Make a timetable for tours and Q&A slots.
Explain: Arrive-ready presentations reduce friction. A welcoming sign-in desk helps capture leads and gives you consent for follow-up. The printed/digital summary should include rent breakdown, bills policy, deposit amount, tenancy length options and house rules. Always mention that students can view the inventory and ask about guarantors or referencing during the show.
What should I show first to students?
Begin with a quick highlight tour that shows the property’s strongest features first, so visitors immediately see the value in your show.
Lead with the shared living space and kitchen.
Show the best bedroom and a typical room for scale.
Point out key storage and study areas.
Finish with outdoor or transport links visible from the property.
Explain: Students prioritise social spaces and practical features such as study corners and storage. Start in the living area to create a social vision of life in the house. Showing one well-staged bedroom gives expectations about room sizes and finishes, while finishing with transport links stresses convenience for campus access and student life.
How can I show safety and compliance?
A brief, transparent explanation of safety checks during the show reassures applicants and reduces follow-up queries.
Display gas safety and electrical inspection certificates.
Show smoke/CO alarm placements and fire escape routes.
Explain the deposit protection and tenancy paperwork process.
Clarify lockable bedroom policies and landlord contact procedures.
Explain: Students and parents want reassurance that the property is compliant. Have printed proof of gas safety, EPC, electrical certificates and PAT testing ready for the show. Point out the fire exits and how the heating and electrics are maintained. Explaining deposits, how they are protected, and the referencing process on the spot improves trust and speeds decision-making.
How do I show the total value proposition?
Give a concise 20–30 word overview of costs so prospective tenants can quickly judge affordability before detailed questions disrupt the show.
Provide a clear rent breakdown per room and per term.
State which utilities are included, capped or billed separately.
Explain extras: broadband speed, cleaning, or concierge services.
Offer a sample monthly total for comparison.
Explain: Students compare net monthly cost, not headline rent. If you offer bill-included student accommodation in the UK, explain which services are covered and any caps. Show a sample bill worksheet (simple table) at the viewing. If broadband is included, state the package and average speeds. Clear cost communication reduces dropouts after the show.
How should I show nearby amenities to students so they see lifestyle benefits?
Present nearby student-friendly amenities in clear bullet points so visitors can quickly assess convenience and lifestyle during your show.
Distance to campus (walking time).
Nearest supermarket and late-night food options.
Local transport links and bus stop names.
Study spaces, gyms or cafes are popular with students.
Explain: Students choose properties for lifestyle as much as price. During the show, mention walking minutes to campus, the nearest supermarkets, and which cafes provide student discounts. If the property has easy access to public transport evenings or direct links to campus, highlight that in the closing part of the show, as this often decides students who have multiple options.
How long should each show last and how many applicants should I allow at once?
A clear, well-timed show plan improves attendee experience and helps you show the property efficiently.
Aim for 20–30 minute tours per group.
Limit groups to 6–10 people to avoid crowding.
Reserve time for a 10–15 minute Q&A after each tour.
Offer private one-to-one viewings when requested.
Explain: Short, focused tours keep attention and let visitors absorb the space. Too many people at once dilute the experience and increase noise. If you host multiple groups, stagger start times and keep an information pack ready for those who want to compare later. Private viewings for international students or parents are valuable and often convert faster.
How should I show furnished rooms versus unfurnished options during the open day?
Tell visitors clearly whether rooms are furnished and explain what ‘furnished’ includes. This small show detail sets expectations and reduces disputes later.
List furniture included per room (bed, desk, wardrobe).
Point out storage and usable study space.
Show photos of an alternative room setup, if relevant.
Explain options for personalising without damage.
Explain: Students care about practical furnishings. If you provide student accommodation in the UK with standard furniture, show examples and confirm dimensions for large items (beds, wardrobes). Offer guidance on what students can bring and how to attach posters or shelves without damaging the property.
How can I show community and house rules during the viewing to attract the right students?
Set clear expectations during the show so you attract tenants who fit your property’s culture and policies.
Explain house rules on guests, smoking and noise.
Describe cleaning rotas and communal responsibilities.
Outline your approach to disputes and maintenance.
Share real tenant testimonials (anonymised) if available.
Explain: Transparency about house rules during the show stimulates self-selection and reduces later conflicts. Explain quiet hours, guest policies and how cleaning duties are arranged. If current tenants enjoy a certain culture, study-focused or social frame, it positively attracts applicants, so they can fit in. This reduces churn and increases tenancy stability.
How do I show that the booking process is simple and trustworthy after the viewing?
A short 20–30 word closing summary of next steps and timelines helps convert interest raised during the show into confirmed bookings.
Provide step-by-step renting information and the expected timeline.
Explain deposit amount, holding fees and signing process.
Offer a sample tenancy agreement summary and referencing checklist.
Give clear contact details and follow-up timelines.
Explain: After a successful show, prospective tenants need a simple, predictable path to secure a room. Hand out a one-page “next steps” showing deposit amounts, referencing turnaround times and how to sign. State your refund policy for holding deposits and how you protect deposits under the relevant scheme.
Practical checklist for landlords
Use this checklist on the day of the show to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Signage and property access confirmed.
Safety certificates are displayed and available.
Information packs are printed/digital and ready.
Refreshments and a welcome station set.
The photographer or device for a virtual tour is ready.
Clear schedule and sign-up sheet for follow-ups.
Explain: Keep this physical checklist on a clipboard during the open day. It helps you manage last-minute checks and ensures every prospective tenant leaves with the same clear information set.
FAQ
Q: Can I show rooms to groups and individuals on the same open day?
Yes. Structure timeslots for group tours and allow private viewings for those who want a second look.
Q: Should I record a show for students who cannot attend?
Yes. A recorded walk-through or live virtual show can convert international students or those with scheduling conflicts.
Q: How many times should I host shows before the term starts?
Run 2–4 open days in peak season and keep weekday viewings available for late applicants.
Final thoughts and call to action
A carefully planned show helps you attract reliable tenants, fill rooms faster and reduce long-term vacancies. Focus on clear communication, visible compliance, and showing the student lifestyle and convenience linked to your property. Student Tenant has provided landlords with an opportunity to streamline listing, where landlords with properties to show can list their properties, as well as receive bookings and follow-ups from interested prospects, just with the Student Tenant platform. To know more, you can read our blog, titled: Renting to Students: Everything You Need to Know as a Landlord, to learn more about how to do good student lettings.