Private sector accommodation in Chelmsford

People relaxing by the river in Central Park, Chelmsford

This list has several agencies and websites that we suggest you check when looking for private sector accommodation. 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 any agency or landlord.

We advise you view the property before signing a contract or paying any money. When you do make a payment we recommend you avoid using money transfer websites and always get proof of payment.

  • See our House Hunter Guide (copies are also available from the Residential Service)
  • Find rooms on our house hunting site angliastudentpad.co.uk
  • For tips on traveling to Chelmsford, travel discounts and parking options for students please read our Traveling to ARU Chelmsford booklet
  • For tips on traveling to Writtle, travel discounts and parking options for students please read our Traveling to ARU Writtle 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.

Adrians
16 Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 2PA
01245 265621
[email protected]
adrians-property.co.uk
Contract length: 6months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; UK guarantor required; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Fudo Property
Yard, 5-6 Grays
Springfield Road
Chelmsford
CM2 6QR
[email protected]
Contract length: 6months +
Student only; Pets not considered; UK guarantor or Housing Hand considered; No wheelchair access; No housing benefit

Haart
65 Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1LW
01245 351707
[email protected]
haart.co.uk
Contract length: 6 months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Intercounty Estate Agents
6 Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1HL
01245 347040
[email protected]
intercounty.co.uk
Contract length: 12 months+
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available; Housing benefit considered

Leaders
2-3 Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1HL
01223 746283
[email protected]
leaders.co.uk
Contract length: 6 months +
Mixed student/non-student accepted; Pets considered; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Housing benefit considered

Rivermead Islands
The Lofts, Bishop Hall Lane
Rivermead Islands, Chelmsford
Essex, CM1 1RB
01245 201115
[email protected]
rivermeadislands.co.uk

Typical upfront costs: Advance rent payment
Contract length: 45 weeks + summer stay and summer storage extensions
Cluster flats; UK guarantor required; Housing Hand accepted; Wheelchair access available

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
thisistotalessex.co.uk/property
primelocation.com
chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/homes

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 Chelmsford 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 may prefer to contact a specialist solicitor.

Anglia Ruskin University
The Residential Service
Queen's Building, Que 025
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 1SQ
[email protected]
aru.ac.uk/accommodation

Anglia Ruskin University Students’ Union Advice Service
Tindall Building
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 1SQ
01245 258 178
[email protected]
angliastudent.com/advice

Chelmsford City Council
Customer Service Centre
Civic Centre
Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE
01245 606400
chelmsford.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling

Citizens Advice Bureau
Burgess Well House
Coval Lane
Chelmsford
CM1 1FWL
01245 205 656
chelmsfordcab.org