Private sector accommodation in Cambridge

Five story buildings of rooms rented to students

Below is some helpful information about agencies and websites where you can find accommodation for students in Cambridge.

We recommend that you view the property before signing a contract or paying any money. When you make a payment try to avoid using money transfer websites and always get proof you’ve paid.

Please remember that we have not inspected the properties listed on these sites and can’t accept responsibility or liability for any action taken by an agency/landlord.

  • See our House Hunter Guide (copies are also available from the Residential Service)
  • Find rooms on studentpad
  • For tips on traveling to Cambridge, travel discounts and parking options for students please read our Travelling to ARU Cambridge booklet
  • Don’t rush into making a decision. Take the time to talk things through with those you are looking to share with
  • We would never recommend signing a contract or paying any money before you have viewed the accommodation
  • At viewings, use the checklist in the House Hunter guide.

Babouris
50-60 Station Road
Cambridge
CB1 2JH
01223 953899
[email protected]
babouris.co.uk/to-rent
Typical upfront costs: Holding deposit capped at one week's rent. Damage deposit. No fees.
Contract length: 6 months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted. UK guarantor required. Housing Hand accepted.

Belvoir Cambridge
1 Dover Street
Cambridge
CB1 1DY
01223 352225
[email protected]
belvoir.co.uk/cambridge
Typical upfront costs: Holding deposit, damage deposit
Contract length: 6months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Leaders Ltd
140 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 8PB
81 Regent Street
Cambridge
CB2 1AW 01223 500387
[email protected]
leaders.co.uk
Typical upfront costs: Deposit, holding fee (where applicable)
Contract length: 6 months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Accommodation in Cambridge
01223 857001
[email protected]
accommodationincambridge.com
Typical upfront costs: Deposit
Contract length: Typical 6 months+ depending on property and tenant
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Wheelchair access available

St Andrews Bureau Ltd (SAB)
18 Mill Road
Cambridge
CB1 2AD
01223 746283
[email protected]
sab.co.uk
Typical upfront costs: Deposit, holding fee
Contract length: 12 months
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Redmayne Arnold and Harris
Dukes Court
54-64 Newmarket Road
Cambridge
CB5 8DZ
01223 819 300
[email protected]
rah.co.uk
Contract length: 6 months +
Property suitable for families; Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Open Arch
The Grange
20 Market Street
Swavesey
Cambridge
CB24 4QG
01223 664203
[email protected]
openarch.co.uk
Typical upfront costs: Damage deposit
Contract length: 11 months
Mixed student/non-student accepted; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted

Open House Estate Agents Cambridge
47 Norfolk Street
Cambridge
CB1 2LD
01223 298 490
[email protected]
openhousecambridge.co.uk
maps.app.goo.gl/KYVuATkZknB1VG5k9
facebook.com/estateagentcambridge/
Typical upfront costs: Deposit, holding fee (where applicable)
Contract length: 6 months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Homestay Consultancy
homestayconsultancy.com
A homestay and host family placement service.

Rightmove
rightmove.co.uk/students
Listings of house shares and agency rentals.

Studentpad
angliastudentpad.co.uk
The University’s own private sector database. Email [email protected] for the password.

Other places to look

accommodationforstudents.com
cambridge-news.co.uk
primelocation.com
brettward.co.uk/canb/

There are other websites available offering house shares/lodgings (e.g. Gumtree, Easy Roommate, Room Buddies, etc.) but please remember that these sites are not monitored so be wary of fake adverts and scams.

Signing contracts

Most properties will require you to sign a contract. Make sure you fully understand each term of the contract as it is legally binding. Most contacts will be individual or joint Assured Shorthold Tenancies, or an Occupancy Agreement if you are living in someone else’s home. A useful tool for finding out which type of contract you are signing is Shelter’s Tenancy Checker.

Damage deposits

All damage deposits taken by landlords for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be protected under a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. Landlords will normally ask for a deposit if you accept a property. A damage deposit cannot be more than 5 week’s rent for properties where rent is less than £50,000 per year. Understand when the deposit is payable and when you will get the deposit back, as well as circumstances when the landlord is entitled to keep some or all of the deposit.

Living within the community

Be mindful and respectful of your neighbours and think about whether your behaviour or activities are likely to be disturbing them. When you move in why not pop over and introduce yourself? If you are on friendly terms with your neighbours it will be easier for you to appreciate any concerns they may have, and they will be more likely to approach you rather than the police or local council if they have a problem.

For information on rubbish and recycling collections please visit Cambridge City Council’s website.

Problem solving

The House Hunter guide has a section on problem solving relating to a range of issues. Always try to resolve problems as soon as they occur, especially in relation to repairs or harassment from your landlord.

Guarantor information

If you're having difficulty finding a guarantor, we suggest contacting Housing Hand, because ARU students are entitled to a preferential fee rate. Compared to other similar services, Housing Hand is currently the most cost effective option for ARU students (as of May 2024).

You can contact the Residential Service or the Students’ Union for help and advice relating to private renting. For contract checking or issues involving housing or tenancy law, seek legal advice. The Citizens Advice Bureau and the Housing Aid advice centre offer a free legal advice service, or you can contact a specialist solicitor.

Anglia Ruskin University
The Residential Service Office
Eastings Building
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT
01223 698 900
[email protected]
aru.ac.uk/housing

Anglia Ruskin University Students’ Union Advice Service
Peter Taylor House SU Building
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT
01223 460 008
[email protected]
angliastudent.com/advice

Cambridge City Council Customer Service Centre
Mandela House
4 Regent Street
Cambridge
CB2 1BY
01223 457918
cambridge.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau
66 Devonshire Road
Cambridge
CB1 2BL
03448 487 979
cambridgecab.org.uk/get-advice/