The rapidly growing business which has offices across the country, created this initiative encouraging landlords to elevate their properties and better serve student tenants.
As the Renters' Rights Bill advances through the House of Lords potentially bringing significant changes to the private rental sector, loc8me's new scheme ensures students access safe, high-quality housing while helping landlords highlight their commitment to exceptional standards.
The Seal of Approval is expected to serve as a powerful tool for landlords looking to stand out in a crowded market, providing renters with the reassurance that the properties they are considering meet rigorous quality and safety standards.
Fern Tebbutt, Central Business Development Manager at loc8me, shared her excitement about the initiative: “We launched the Seal of Approval to ensure that students can access secure, top-quality housing that supports their academic success and overall well-being.
“At the same time, it gives landlords the chance to demonstrate their dedication to offering excellent student accommodations."
She continued: “For students, their home is much more than just a place to live - it’s a foundation for their education and future. This seal gives them the confidence that they’re choosing a property where they can truly thrive.”
Fern also emphasised that the Seal of Approval offers well-deserving recognition to responsible landlords.
"By setting a high bar for quality and security, we make it easier for students to find properties that offer peace of mind, comfort, and value. The seal acts as a mark of distinction that helps quality landlords gain the attention they deserve."
To earn the Seal of Approval, landlords must undergo a rigorous approval process. Properties are evaluated to ensure compliance with fire, gas, HMO, and electrical regulations, as well as having fast response times for repairs and maintenance.
Homes must be modern, well-maintained, and located in desirable areas. Additionally, landlords must demonstrate positive feedback from current tenants.
The approval process includes property inspections and ongoing annual audits to ensure continued compliance with loc8me’s high standards.
In addition to launching the Seal of Approval, loc8me has expanded its presence in the South, opening a new office in
Bristol and increasing its managed property portfolio to over 2,500 properties.
The company operates in 13 major university cities across the UK, including Loughborough, Durham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leicester, Hull, Bath, and Bristol.
The announcement comes as the new Renters Rights Bill approaches closer to becoming law. If passed, the bill will abolish fixed-term tenancies and “no-fault” evictions, offering tenants more security and protection.
Tebbutt concluded: “Our initiative represents a commitment to raising the standards of student housing.
“It’s about creating a future where every student feels safe and supported in their home, and where responsible landlords stand out for the right reasons.
“The student rental market is evolving, and we’re leading that change by establishing clear, transparent standards. This Seal of Approval isn’t just a symbol - it’s a promise: to students, that they’ll have a safe, supportive home, and to landlords, that their dedication to quality will be recognised and rewarded.”