International parents have one clear priority when their children travel to study in the UK: safety. Landlords who understand what families want gain a strong advantage by building trust early. This blog explains practical steps landlords can take and shows how our student accommodation listing can showcase those safety features to overseas families. The parents who book from abroad will feel safer knowing that current gas and electrical certificates, fire risk assessments dated recently, and secure entrance measures are in place. The use of high-resolution images, precise layouts, and 3D walkthroughs not only minimises doubts but also speeds up the process of choosing a property. It is the open refund and deposit strategies that alleviate the fears regarding money and fraud. These landlord-focused measures directly answer what parents want most and create a safer, more trustworthy letting process that builds long-term confidence and boosts property appeal.
What do parents want most?
Overseas parents want visible proof that a property is safe, compliant, and well-managed. They want easy communication and updated safety records before booking.
Provide a downloadable safety pack
Offer virtual tours and photos
Include dated certificates and inspection logs
Landlords should prepare concise information packs that address safety questions before viewings. Include copies of certificates and images of secure locks, lighting, and communal areas. Virtual tours and summary sheets build transparency and save time answering repetitive questions. Providing this proof early increases trust and helps parents decide faster.
How secure is the property?
Parents want secure entry systems, CCTV, and good lighting to protect their children and property.
Install key fob or coded locks
Maintain CCTV and exterior lighting
Secure entrances and mail points
Security must be obvious and functional. Maintain key systems, keep lighting in working order, and show CCTV coverage around entrances. Have clear visitor and parcel policies, and show evidence of maintenance. These visible steps show that security is a top priority, reducing anxiety for parents and safeguarding your investment.
Are certificates and checks current?
Parents want to see valid gas, electrical, and fire certificates with clear expiry dates.
Display valid gas and electrical reports
Keep fire risk assessments updated
Share documents digitally
Keep certification current and accessible. Schedule annual checks and maintain digital copies that families can view easily. Display inspection dates and show compliance with local licensing. Keeping certificates transparent gives parents confidence in your property’s management and compliance.
Is the location safe and accessible?
Parents want reassurance that the area is safe, well-lit, and near essential facilities.
Share walking times to campus
List the nearest GP and hospital
Highlight safe local routes
Provide realistic local information, including crime data, lighting conditions, and travel connections. Mention nearby amenities, campus distance, and community safety programs. This context helps parents understand the environment and see your property as reliable and secure.
Do you have emergency plans?
Parents want to know that clear emergency procedures are in place and regularly tested.
Post-evacuation maps
Maintain alarms and extinguishers
Provide an emergency contact sheet
Landlords should test alarms, maintain extinguishers, and keep evacuation routes visible. Provide tenants with a guide outlining emergency contacts and hospital details. Visible readiness reassures families and keeps students calm and informed during incidents.
How do you communicate safety?
Parents want fast, reliable communication with landlords.
Provide a tenant handbook
Offer a 24-hour emergency contact
Confirm messages in writing
Set up digital communication systems where updates and issues are logged. Provide an easy escalation process and confirm key messages in writing. Regular updates and responsive contact lower perceived risks and build trust with overseas parents.
Are well-being supports nearby?
Parents want their children to have access to mental health and well-being services.
List GP and counselling resources
Promote local community groups
Encourage registration with student services
Share information about local wellbeing supports and student networks. This demonstrates care beyond property maintenance and reassures families that their children have nearby support systems.
Is payment secure for families?
Parents want safe, traceable payment methods and clear deposit protection.
Use approved deposit schemes
Provide clear transfer guidance
Offer guarantor options
Use regulated deposit schemes and secure bank transfer instructions. Provide receipts and refund details upfront. Clear payment processes reduce scam fears and improve booking speed.
How can tech improve safety?
Parents value simple technology that supports safety and quick responses.
Install smart smoke and CO alarms
Use smart locks for entry logs
Provide maintenance reporting tools
Adopt technology that improves safety and transparency. Use smart alarms, secure locks, and mobile reporting systems that alert landlords to issues quickly. Explain privacy settings clearly and maintain both digital and physical backup systems.
What should landlords implement next?
Parents appreciate landlords who demonstrate organisation and consistent safety practices.
Bundle documents into a single pack
Offer virtual pre-arrival briefings
Schedule regular safety reviews
Create a comprehensive safety plan that combines all vital information, including certificates, security protocols, emergency steps, and local guidance. Keep logs updated and offer online briefings for international families. These habits make your property more attractive and trustworthy.
FAQs for landlords
How can I prove compliance?
Keep dated certificates and inspection records ready to share with families before booking.
What payments reassure parents?
Use protected schemes and provide receipts for all transactions.
Should I offer virtual tours?
Yes, virtual tours provide parents with peace of mind and clearly showcase safety features.
When should checks be updated?
Update annually or after any major property change.
Conclusion
Landlords who prioritise safety as a feature not only win the confidence of foreign families but also elevate their position in the student renting industry. The showing of genuine certificates, the mentioning of clear safety procedures, and the revealing of payment details are the ways that professionalism is expressed and, thus, the very basis of what parents fear most is built up. Keep your documentation up-to-date, communication quick, and property safe with visible maintenance logs. Provide pre-arrival phone calls and virtual tours so that families from abroad can assuredly verify the details. When the trilogy of safety, well-being, and security is considered first, not only do you keep your tenants, but also occupancy for a longer time is increased. For those landlords who are willing to reach out to international students and provide families with the necessary assurances, StudentTenant.com is the go-to website that connects you with students and also shows the safety features of your property to attract responsible tenants. Today, begin to strengthen your listing and make your property the one that parents absolutely trust.