How to Manage Your Bills in a Student or Shared Rental Home Moving into a rented property is exciting, but managing household bills can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, especially if you're renting for the first time. Whether you're sharing a student house in Southampton, living with friends or moving into your first professional let, understanding your household expenses is essential for keeping things running smoothly. The good news? A little planning can prevent most of the common headaches. Here are our practical tips for staying on top of your bills. Understand What's Included in Your Rent Before moving into any rental property, check your tenancy agreement carefully to understand which bills are included in your monthly rent. Depending on your arrangements, you may need to budget separately for: Gas and electricity Water and sewerage Broadband and internet Council Tax, where applicable TV Licence, if required Contents insurance for your belongings Some rental properties offer bills-inclusive arrangements, while others require tenants to organise and pay utilities independently. Our advice: Never assume a bill is included. Ask for clarification before signing your tenancy agreement. Work Out a Realistic Monthly Budget Once you know which bills you're responsible for, create a simple monthly household budget. Start with your rent and estimated utilities, then factor in groceries, transport, subscriptions and personal spending. If you're sharing a property, work out how much each tenant should contribute towards household expenses. For example, if four housemates have combined monthly shared bills of £240, that's £60 each. This is only an illustration, but breaking costs down into individual contributions makes budgeting considerably easier. Try to allow a small amount of extra money for seasonal changes in heating costs or unexpected expenses. Agree How Shared Bills Will Be Paid One of the biggest challenges in shared accommodation isn't necessarily the cost of bills — it's making sure everyone pays their share on time. Before moving in together, agree on a system. You might choose to nominate one housemate to manage utility accounts, use a shared spreadsheet or arrange regular bank transfers into a dedicated household account. Whatever method you choose, make sure everyone understands what they're responsible for and when payments are due. It's also worth remembering that the person named on a utility account may remain responsible to the supplier for payment, even if other housemates haven't contributed. Take Meter Readings When You Move In When you first collect your keys, photograph the gas and electricity meters, where accessible, and record the readings. This helps establish how much energy has been used during your tenancy and reduces the risk of being charged for usage from before you moved in. If you're responsible for the energy account, contact the existing supplier to confirm your move-in date and opening readings. Repeat the process when you move out. Check Whether You Need to Pay Council Tax Council Tax is an important consideration for renters, but the rules can differ depending on who's living in the property. Households occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students are generally exempt from Council Tax. However, if you're sharing with someone who isn't a full-time student, the household may be liable for Council Tax, although a discount could apply. Professional tenants will usually need to budget for Council Tax unless an exemption or discount applies. If you're unsure, check with Southampton City Council rather than assuming that your property is exempt. Keep an Eye on Energy Usage Small changes around the house can make a difference to your energy bills. Try switching off lights and appliances when they're not needed, using washing machines efficiently and avoiding unnecessary heating. It's also worth understanding how your property's heating system works, including the thermostat and any timers. If something isn't working correctly, report it promptly rather than letting the problem continue. A well-maintained home is more comfortable to live in and can help avoid unnecessary energy waste. Plan Ahead for the End of Your Tenancy When it's time to move out, don't forget to close or transfer utility accounts where you're responsible for them. Take final meter readings, provide forwarding contact details to relevant suppliers and settle any outstanding shared household expenses. Make sure you understand the arrangements for your tenancy deposit too. Sorting everything before you leave can prevent unexpected bills arriving weeks later. Renting With Manderley Homes We believe tenants should feel confident and informed throughout their tenancy. At Manderley Homes, our personal approach means clear communication and practical support, helping you understand your rental arrangements and know who to contact when you need assistance. Whether you're looking for student accommodation in Southampton or exploring our professional and residential rental homes , we're here to help make renting simpler. Have a question about one of our properties? Get in touch with Manderley Homes and we'll be happy to help.
Best Coffee Spots in Portswood, Southampton Whether you're a student looking for somewhere to take a break from studying, a remote worker in need of a change of scenery or simply someone who appreciates a good flat white, Portswood has plenty to offer. One of the great things about living in Portswood is having a lively selection of cafés, restaurants and independent businesses right on your doorstep. Located close to the University of Southampton, this popular neighbourhood has become a favourite with students and professionals alike. If you're new to the area, here are some coffee spots worth discovering. Mettricks Portswood – For Coffee Lovers Location: 267–271 Portswood Road, Southampton Mettricks is a well-known name on Southampton's coffee scene, and its Portswood location is a great place to start exploring the area's café culture. Housed in a former bank building, Mettricks offers a relaxed atmosphere, carefully prepared coffee and a menu featuring brunch dishes and baked goods. It's also home to the Ascapart coffee roastery, making it an especially interesting stop for anyone who appreciates freshly roasted coffee. Whether you're meeting friends for breakfast or taking a break from your day, Mettricks is well worth a visit. Best for: Specialty coffee, brunch and catching up with friends. Muse Coffee Co. – For Coffee and Something Sweet Location: 14 The Broadway, Portswood Road, Southampton If you enjoy pairing your coffee with a cake or pastry, Muse Coffee Co. deserves a place on your list. Situated on The Broadway in Portswood, Muse serves a variety of hot drinks, iced coffees, smoothies and sweet treats. It's a handy place to stop while exploring the local shops or catching up with friends between university lectures. With plenty of choice beyond a traditional cappuccino, it's also a good option if you're visiting with someone who isn't particularly interested in coffee. Best for: Casual coffee dates, sweet treats and a quick pick-me-up. Coffee#1 Portswood – For a Cosy Coffee Break Location: 203–205 Portswood Road, Southampton Sometimes all you want is a comfortable chair, a hot drink and somewhere to escape the bustle of the high street. Coffee#1 offers exactly that. Its Portswood café features welcoming interiors, comfortable seating and shelves filled with books, making it a pleasant place to sit and unwind. There's a selection of coffees, teas, cakes and pastries, along with Wi-Fi for those who need to get a little work done. Whether you're reading a book, meeting a friend or enjoying a quiet moment, it's a reliable choice in the heart of Portswood. Best for: Relaxed afternoons, reading and coffee with friends. Kate's Café Lounge – For Breakfast and a Friendly Local Feel Location: 227 Portswood Road, Southampton For something a little more substantial with your morning coffee, Kate's Café Lounge is another local spot worth knowing about. Known for its breakfasts, brunches and relaxed café atmosphere, Kate's offers a friendly alternative to the larger coffee chains. It's a good option when you're looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy a proper breakfast or leisurely lunch rather than simply grabbing a takeaway drink. With vegetarian and vegan choices available, there's something for a variety of tastes. Best for: Breakfast, brunch and relaxed weekend mornings. Why Portswood Is Such a Popular Place to Live Of course, there's more to Portswood than its coffee shops. The neighbourhood has long been popular with students and young professionals thanks to its convenient location, everyday amenities and lively atmosphere. With supermarkets, independent shops, restaurants and transport links close by, it's easy to see why so many people choose to make Portswood their home. The University of Southampton's Highfield Campus is nearby, while Southampton Common provides a welcome escape from the busier streets. For tenants who enjoy having plenty to do without travelling into the city centre every day, Portswood offers an appealing balance. Looking for a Home in Portswood? Finding the right neighbourhood is just as important as finding the right property. At Manderley Homes, we offer student accommodation and rental homes across Southampton, with a personal approach that helps make finding and settling into your next home straightforward. Whether you're moving to Southampton for university, starting a new job or looking for a change of scenery, we'd love to help. Explore our student accommodation in Southampton , browse our professional lets or get in touch to find out more about our available properties. Your next home in Southampton could be closer than you think.
