Tenancy transfers

Tenancy transfers are at the discretion of Accommodation Essex and will open in November 2026. 

A tenancy transfer can only be made to a student that has not already applied for, or is already living in University owned or managed accommodation for the 2026-27 academic year. 

If you would like to swap rooms with another student currently in University accommodation, you can exchange with another student. However, if you would like to transfer your tenancy not already in accommodation, please follow the instructions below.

How to apply

Transfer of tenancy applications will be available from November 2026.

Colchester

Once you have found a suitable student for a room transfer, you should both visit the Student Service Hub where your request will be processed straight away.

Fees

The charges for transferring a tenancy are:

  • £20 contract preparation fee (non-refundable): to change your accommodation contract into the name of the new student. We are only able to take card payments for this transaction at the Information Desk in the Student Services Hub.

Please note: due to the number of students arriving at the start of the academic year, transfer is not available until applications open in November. All students must have been living in their accommodation for at least three weeks from the date of allocation.

Please note this does not apply to previous twin room occupants.

Fees

The charges for transferring a tenancy are:

  • £20 contract preparation fee (non-refundable): to change your accommodation contract into the name of the new student. We are only able to take card payments for this transaction at the Information Desk in the Student Services Hub.

Please note: due to the number of students arriving at the start of the academic year, transfer is not available until applications open in November. All students must have been living in their accommodation for at least three weeks from the date of allocation.

Please note this does not apply to previous twin room occupants.

Terms and conditions

Student requesting transfer

  • once a student has been found that is willing to take over your tenancy, we will transfer the contract for the room to the incoming student and they will be liable for the full rent
  • from the date the contract commences until the end of the contract agreement and
  • you must be 18 or over to transfer from University owned or administered accommodation to the private sector
  • No money should change hands between students as all contractual and financial matters will be dealt with by the accommodation office
  • not have already completed a room exchange or transfer during the current term
  • You will not be permitted a transfer if your rent is being paid by your institution
  • you will then be released from the contract and able to take on your new contract in the private sector
  • transfers involving 3 or more students is not permitted due to the complicated nature of the transaction
  • information as per our Terms and Conditions of Residence below

Student taking on tenancy

  • any student taking over the tenancy of a University owned or administered room will be responsible for the contract and the rent until the end date of that contract
  • please be aware that if you already have a contract in the private sector and this has not been cancelled, then you will remain liable for the rent on that contract, as well as this new contract with the University. We advise you not to take on any additional contract that will put you in financial hardship.
  • the University will not be able to release you from your University accommodation contract once you have accepted the transfer
  • the terms and conditions of the new tenancy agreement will be the same as those that applied to the vacating student
  • a transfer may not be permitted if the balance of gender and nationalities is adversely affected within a flat

You must:

  • be fully registered with the University
  • not have already completed a room exchange or transfer during the current term
  • have no debt to the University
  • have no outstanding disciplinary case against you relating to accommodation
  • have the same letting period as the person you are transferring with (agree to take on the same contract length as the outgoing student)
  • be a female if moving in to an all-female flat or male if moving in to an all-male flat
  • not already be living in University Accommodation

University of Essex International College

University of Essex International College students cannot transfer with University of Essex students, however, they are able to transfer with other Essex International College/South Essex College students and should contact their respective support office.

Student requesting transfer

  • once a student has been found that is willing to take over your tenancy, we will transfer the contract for the room to the incoming student and they will be liable for the full rent
  • from the date the contract commences until the end of the contract agreement and
  • you must be 18 or over to transfer from University owned or administered accommodation to the private sector
  • No money should change hands between students as all contractual and financial matters will be dealt with by the accommodation office
  • not have already completed a room exchange or transfer during the current term
  • You will not be permitted a transfer if your rent is being paid by your institution
  • you will then be released from the contract and able to take on your new contract in the private sector
  • transfers involving 3 or more students is not permitted due to the complicated nature of the transaction
  • information as per our Terms and Conditions of Residence below

Student taking on tenancy

  • any student taking over the tenancy of a University owned or administered room will be responsible for the contract and the rent until the end date of that contract
  • please be aware that if you already have a contract in the private sector and this has not been cancelled, then you will remain liable for the rent on that contract, as well as this new contract with the University. We advise you not to take on any additional contract that will put you in financial hardship.
  • the University will not be able to release you from your University accommodation contract once you have accepted the transfer
  • the terms and conditions of the new tenancy agreement will be the same as those that applied to the vacating student
  • a transfer may not be permitted if the balance of gender and nationalities is adversely affected within a flat

You must:

  • be fully registered with the University
  • not have already completed a room exchange or transfer during the current term
  • have no debt to the University
  • have no outstanding disciplinary case against you relating to accommodation
  • have the same letting period as the person you are transferring with (agree to take on the same contract length as the outgoing student)
  • be a female if moving in to an all-female flat or male if moving in to an all-male flat
  • not already be living in University Accommodation

University of Essex International College

University of Essex International College students cannot transfer with University of Essex students, however, they are able to transfer with other Essex International College/South Essex College students and should contact their respective support office.

Student browsing online
Terms and Conditions of Residence

Our terms and conditions give details of the terms of your tenancy agreement. By accepting a room when it is offered you are accepting these terms and conditions and you will be entering into a legally binding contract.

student talking to support staff
Contact us

For enquiries about accommodation or about an application you're making, contact us at the Student Services Hub. Quote your full name and PRID or PG number on all correspondence.

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