Safety & Security Policy
Last updated: September 2026
This page is maintained by Midlands Student Halls to explain how our directory works, what we do (and do not) verify, and how to stay safe when arranging accommodation with a landlord or agent listed on the platform.
1. Direct Payment Disclaimer
Midlands Student Halls does not collect, process, hold or escrow any money paid between students and landlords, agents or service providers. We are a directory and listing platform only.
- All rent, deposits, holding fees and service charges are paid directly to the landlord, letting agent or service provider.
- Any payment link, bank details or reference shown on a listing belongs to the landlord or provider — not to us.
- We are not a party to your tenancy agreement, booking or contract.
2. Fraud & Scam Advice for Students
To reduce the risk of accommodation fraud, please follow this guidance:
- Never send money via untraceable methods — including wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram), cryptocurrency, gift cards (Amazon, Steam, Apple, Google Play) or vouchers. Legitimate landlords will not ask for these.
- Do not pay a deposit or holding fee before viewing the property in person or via a live video tour.
- Verify the landlord's identity and their right to let the property (ownership documents, HMO licence where applicable, gas safety, EICR, EPC).
- For deposits on assured shorthold tenancies in England, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days.
- Use a UK bank transfer or card payment through a recognised processor so the transaction is traceable.
- Be cautious of listings priced significantly below market rate, pressure to pay quickly, or landlords who cannot meet you.
3. Verification & Liability
We ask landlords and trade providers to submit ID, a selfie and, where relevant, ownership, gas safety, EICR, EPC, public liability and accreditation documents. Our admin team reviews these before a listing is marked verified.
Verification is not a guarantee. We make reasonable efforts to vet listings but we do not act as a letting agent, credit-referencing agency, surveyor or legal adviser. Final due diligence, viewings, referencing and the signed tenancy or service agreement rest entirely between the tenant and the property owner or provider.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Midlands Student Halls accepts no liability for losses arising from transactions, agreements or communications between users of the platform. Nothing in this policy limits liability that cannot be limited under English law.
4. Reporting Suspicious Activity
If a landlord, agent or provider asks for payment by an untraceable method, refuses a viewing, posts misleading details, or you suspect a scam or safeguarding concern, please tell us straight away so we can investigate and remove the listing where appropriate.
- Email: support@midlandsstudenthalls.com. Include the listing URL, the landlord or provider name, and a short description of what happened. Attach screenshots if you can.
- Inside the app: open the listing or chat, use Report to flag the user or message. Reports go to our admin team.
If you believe a crime has been committed, also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or dial 999 in an emergency.
This policy sits alongside our Terms and Privacy Policy. ICO registered — reference ZB744042.