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The best area is rarely the one with the loudest reputation. It is the place that fits your commute, budget and weekday routine. A neighbourhood that is perfect for a city-centre graduate may be awkward for a nurse working shifts; a lively student area may not suit someone who needs quiet evenings.

Mistoria House Share operates across Manchester, Salford, Liverpool and Bolton, with stock in nearby areas such as Oldham, so this guide starts with real-life priorities rather than declaring one winner. Availability and transport change, so always test the journey and inspect the street before committing.

Manchester: choose a corridor, not just a postcode

Manchester’s appeal is its range. Central areas put offices, hospitality, universities and entertainment close together, but room supply and cost can be competitive. Neighbourhoods just outside the centre often offer a more residential feel while keeping strong bus, tram or cycling links.

For access to the universities and hospitals, renters often consider the Oxford Road corridor and surrounding south Manchester districts. For MediaCity, Trafford and western employment areas, look at journeys through Salford and the tram network rather than assuming central Manchester is the easiest base. North and east Manchester can offer different value, but the decisive question is the door-to-door trip at your actual start and finish times.

During a viewing, check evening noise, parking restrictions, cycle storage and the walk home from the stop. “Ten minutes from the centre” can mean ten minutes on a vehicle before waiting and walking are included.

Salford: several different lifestyles in one city

Salford is not one housing market. Salford Quays and MediaCity suit people who want waterfront amenities, tram access and nearby creative or digital employers. Chapel Street and areas closer to the Manchester boundary can work for people who want easy access to both city centres. Around the University of Salford, Peel Park and Salford Crescent, students and staff may prioritise walking distance and rail links.

Further west and north, neighbourhoods can feel more residential and may provide a different balance of space and cost. If your workplace is a specific site rather than the city centre, map routes to that site rather than choosing by proximity to Manchester nightlife. Shift workers should check early-morning and late-night services carefully.

Our Salford office is on Broughton Road, and the team knows these streets well. Use that local knowledge: ask about the nearest supermarket, transport reliability, parking and how the street feels outside the viewing hour.

Liverpool: match the district to your day

Liverpool city centre can suit professionals who value a walkable commute, cultural venues and rail connections. The Knowledge Quarter is relevant to university, hospital, science and education workers. The Baltic Triangle has a creative identity and access to the centre, while popular south Liverpool districts offer neighbourhood high streets and a more residential rhythm.

Students often look around areas with established university routes and a large rental supply. Professionals may prefer a quieter street within the same broad district. Liverpool varies block by block, so do not choose from an area name alone. Visit after dark, listen for road or venue noise and check the condition of neighbouring properties.

Our Liverpool office is on Pall Mall in the city centre. If you commute across the city region, proximity to a useful rail station may matter more than distance on a map. Calculate the cost of a season ticket or regular bus travel alongside rent.

Bolton: practical value and strong local employment links

Bolton deserves a serious place in a North West room search. It can suit people working locally or in surrounding Greater Manchester towns, as well as commuters who prefer a different cost-and-space balance from central Manchester. Rooms there frequently offer more space for the money, and some of our Bolton properties provide en-suite shower rooms.

Town-centre access may be helpful for rail and bus connections; areas nearer a workplace can reduce reliance on peak services. Stock changes regularly, so search by current availability and ask the team which Bolton properties suit your specific journey rather than relying on an older listing.

Six tests for any neighbourhood

Start with the commute. Run the route on a working day at the time you would travel and include walking, interchange and waiting. Next, check essentials: food shopping, pharmacy, GP registration, green space and a place to exercise or relax. Third, visit twice – a street can feel different at 8pm from a Saturday afternoon.

Fourth, check the home-working environment if it matters: broadband arrangement, mobile signal and likely daytime noise. Fifth, consider personal safety practically by looking at lighting, the route from transport and secure entry, without relying on hearsay about an entire district. Finally, calculate the total weekly cost of rent plus travel. A cheaper room is not cheaper if it adds an expensive, exhausting commute.

Let the property decide the final shortlist

A strong neighbourhood cannot compensate for a poor home. Check the bedroom’s size and storage, kitchen capacity, bathroom ratio, heating, ventilation and communal condition. Ask what is furnished, which bills are included and who handles repairs. In an HMO, look for professional management and appropriate licensing and safety arrangements.

Equally, a well-presented room should not distract from an unsuitable location. Imagine a rainy Monday, a late shift and a weekly food shop. If the home still works in those ordinary moments, it probably belongs on the shortlist.

Keep your search flexible

Room availability moves quickly. Decide on two or three acceptable areas, a maximum total budget and essential features. Registering for alerts can help you see suitable listings without repeatedly starting the search from scratch.

Mistoria House Share connects students and professionals with accommodation across all four locations, from rooms in shared houses to one-bedroom flats. Property details, bill packages and availability vary, so the listing and tenancy information remain the source of truth for each home.

If you’re enjoying life in your student house — great location, good housemates, cosy room — don’t risk losing it. Now is the time to renew your contract for next year.

At Mistoria House Share, we’re already preparing for next year’s tenancies, and demand is higher than ever. That means prices will rise soon, and your current home could be snapped up quickly by new students.

Here’s why renewing early could save you money, stress, and a whole lot of house-hunting hassle.

Why You Should Renew Early

1. You Lock In the Current Rent Price

Each academic year, rental prices tend to go up, especially in high-demand student areas like Salford, Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton.

With rising energy costs and high demand, 2026/2027 prices are set to increase. But if you renew now:

• You secure your current rate (or a lower one)
• You avoid being caught in next year’s rent rise
• You get first refusal before it’s advertised to new students

It’s simple: Renewing now = better value.

2. You Won’t Need to Move

Moving house is stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. From packing and cleaning, to organising bills and Wi-Fi, it’s a lot of admin to repeat every year.

By renewing:

• You save on moving costs
• You stay in a space you already know and love
• You keep your housemates, routines, and favourite takeaway spots!

3. Demand Is High – Your House Could Be Rebooked Quickly

We’ve already had early enquiries for next year, and properties are being reserved faster than ever — especially in areas close to:

• Universities
• Public transport
• City centres
• Student nightlife hotspots

If you wait too long, your current house might be booked by a new group. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

4. Renewing Is Quick and Easy

We make the renewal process as straightforward as possible. You’ll just need to:

• Confirm your group wants to stay
• Sign the updated contract
• Pay your holding deposit (if applicable)

It can all be done online in a matter of days — no need for new viewings or paperwork.

5. It Gives You Peace of Mind for Exams and the Holidays

Renewing your contract now means you don’t have to worry about housing next year while:

• Preparing for deadlines and exams
• Going home for Christmas or Easter
• Sorting out student finance for the new year

Get it sorted now, and thank yourself later.

What You Need to Do

If you want to stay in your current student house for another year:

1. Speak to your housemates – is everyone happy to renew?
2. Contact us ASAP – let Mistoria House Share know you want to stay
3. Sign the contract – we’ll send you everything digitally
4. Relax – you’ve locked in your home and price before anyone else

Still deciding? That’s okay — but don’t leave it too late.

Once your property is re-listed for new tenants, we can’t guarantee it’ll still be available. Avoid disappointment (and a rent increase) by renewing now.

 Ready to renew or have questions about the process?
Call 0800 500 3015 or contact your local Mistoria House Share office today

Visit https://mistoriahouseshare.com/ for more details.

Living in a student house is part of the uni experience — but nothing ruins that faster than discovering rats, mice, or unwanted creepy crawlies in the kitchen!

Whether you’re in Salford, Manchester, Liverpool or Bolton, student properties are often easy targets for pests — not because of poor landlords, but usually because of tenant habits like leftover food, overflowing bins, or lack of cleaning routines.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to keep your student home clean, safe, and pest-free — and why acting early could also protect your deposit.

Why Student Houses Are a Target for Rats and Pests

Pests like rats, mice, ants and flies are on the lookout for:

• Food left out in the open
• Rubbish bags not tied or taken out
• Warm spaces to hide during winter
• Gaps under doors, broken vents or cracked skirting boards

Student homes, especially shared ones, can be easy pickings if not maintained properly. Once pests find food and warmth, they’re hard to get rid of.

Top Tips to Prevent Rats and Pests in Your Student Property

1. Keep Your Kitchen Clean Daily

This is the #1 way to avoid unwanted guests. Make sure your kitchen is cleaned properly every day—especially worktops, bins, and food areas.

Wipe crumbs from counters and floors
Clean dirty dishes instead of leaving them overnight
Store food in sealed containers or in the fridge
Don’t leave bin bags inside for more than a day

Even a few leftover crumbs can attract mice or cockroaches.

2. Take Out the Bins Regularly

Overflowing bins or bags left in the hallway are a free buffet for pests. Make a house rota or group agreement to:

• Take the kitchen bin out every 1–2 days
• Tie bags securely before placing in outdoor bins
• Close outdoor bin lids properly to stop rats getting in

Rats are excellent climbers and chewers—they can rip open bin bags in seconds.

3. Seal Food Properly (and Don’t Store It on the Floor)

Cereal, pasta, rice, and snacks should be stored in sealed containers and kept off the floor. Open packaging or food left in reusable bags is a pest magnet.

Airtight plastic tubs from discount shops are ideal — and they’ll keep your food fresh longer too.

4. Don’t Feed the Pigeons or Squirrels

It might seem harmless or even cute, but throwing food out of the window or leaving it on the back step will attract rats, foxes, and other wildlife. If one rat comes… others will follow.

Stick to feeding yourselves, not the neighbourhood!

5. Check for Entry Points (and Let Us Know If You Spot Any)

Rats and mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a 50p coin. If you spot:

• A hole in a cupboard or wall
• Broken air vents
• Gaps under external doors
• Signs of droppings or chewed food packaging

Report it immediately via your Mistoria tenant portal or contact form. The sooner we’re aware, the faster we can act.

We’ll work with pest control professionals to safely deal with the issue.

Common Mistakes That Attract Pests

Avoid these common habits in shared houses:

• Leaving pizza boxes and takeaway leftovers out overnight
• Letting rubbish pile up during weekends or holidays
• Forgetting about food left in communal cupboards
• Leaving back doors or windows open late at night

It only takes one slip-up to attract pests.

Final Word: Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Pest problems caused by tenant behaviour—like food hygiene, mess, or poor bin use—can be classed as negligence. This may affect:

• Your deposit
• Future references
• How quickly we can respond to the issue

At Mistoria, we work hard to keep all our student properties clean and safe—but it’s a team effort. If you do your part, we’ll always be here to support you.

Need to report a pest issue?
Use the tenant portal, email your local Mistoria office, or call 0800 500 3015.

Want more student living tips? Visit https://mistoriahouseshare.com or follow us on Instagram for cleaning hacks, house checklists, and more!

If you’re a student in Salford, Manchester, Liverpool or Bolton, now is the perfect time to start house-hunting for the 2026–2027 academic year. We know it might feel early—especially if you’ve just settled into this year’s routine—but trust us, waiting too long could mean missing out on your ideal home.

Here’s why January to March is prime time for securing quality student accommodation—and how to get ahead of the competition.

1. The Best Student Houses Go First

Let’s be honest—student housing can be competitive, especially in university hubs like Salford and Manchester. The best-located, most affordable, and nicely furnished houses get snapped up fast—often before spring even starts.

• Properties close to uni campuses and transport links
• Houses with en-suites or newly refurbished interiors
• Bills-included packages (very popular right now!)
• Group houses with equal-sized rooms

These are the homes that vanish first. If you wait until April or May, you may be left with less attractive (or more expensive) options.

2. Demand is Higher Than Ever

There’s no denying it: student demand for housing in the North West is booming. With more UK and international students choosing cities like Salford, Liverpool, Bolton and Manchester, there’s increased pressure on rental supply—especially HMOs (houses in multiple occupation).

Add in stricter licensing rules in areas like Salford (Langworthy, Weaste, and Seedley), and there are fewer student houses on the market than in previous years.

That means more students, fewer houses, and rising rent prices. The sooner you lock in a place, the better deal you’ll get.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Stress

You’ve got coursework, exams, social plans, and part-time jobs—so why add the stress of a rushed house hunt in the middle of exam season?

By starting your search early:

• You get more choice
• You can view properties together with your friends
• You avoid panic booking something you haven’t seen
• You have more time to read the tenancy agreement properly

At Mistoria House Share, we recommend finalising your group and viewing properties between January and March to avoid the April rush.

4. House-Hunting Now Helps You Budget

When you know your rent costs early, you can budget ahead for the rest of the year. Whether it’s arranging your student loan, working part-time, or saving over summer, early planning makes it all easier.

Many of our student houses come with:

• All bills included (gas, electric, water, broadband)
• Zero deposit options
• Flexible payment plans

This can make managing your money much simpler—just ask our team for advice.

5. Our Properties Are Going Fast – Book a Viewing Today

At Mistoria House Share, we manage some of the most in-demand student properties across Salford, Manchester, Liverpool, and Bolton. From en-suite rooms to 5+ bed HMOs, we’ve got options for every type of group or budget.

We’re already seeing early bookings for the 2026/2027 academic year, and many of our most popular houses will be gone before Easter.

Final Tips for Students Renting for Next Year:

Start searching NOW – don’t wait until after Easter
Get your housemates together early – make a group decision
Book viewings ASAP – virtual or in-person
Read your tenancy agreement – know your rights
Ask about bills – make sure you know what’s included

Ready to start your student property search?

Head to our website to browse listings, book viewings, or chat with our team.
We’re here to help you every step of the way—whether it’s your first student house or you’re returning for another year.

Call us now on 0800 500 3015
Or Visit https://mistoriahouseshare.com/

Winter in the North West means cold nights, frosty mornings, and… frozen pipes. It’s a common issue in student homes—and if not handled properly, it can lead to leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs.

The good news? Most frozen pipe problems are easily preventable.

If you’re living in a shared house in Salford, Manchester, Liverpool or Bolton, here’s how to keep your pipes safe and your house warm this winter — and protect your deposit in the process.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When temperatures drop below freezing, any water sitting in exposed or unused pipes (especially in unheated areas like lofts or under sinks) can freeze solid.

This can cause:

• Pipes to expand and crack
• Water supply to stop
• Burst pipes that cause flooding when the ice thaws

It’s not just a mess — it can cause hundreds (even thousands) of pounds in damage, and may impact your utilities, heating, and even your deposit if preventable.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Student House

1. Keep the Heating On Low — Even When You’re Out

The biggest mistake? Turning the heating off completely when you go home for the weekend or over Christmas.

Cold temperatures + no heating = frozen pipes

Keep your heating on a low setting (16°C–18°C) 24/7 during cold spells, even when no one’s in.

If you’re all heading home for the holidays, speak with your landlord or agent about setting the timer or keeping the heat ticking over.

2. Open Cupboard Doors Under Sinks

Pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks are often close to external walls and get very cold.

By opening the cupboard doors slightly, you let warm air circulate around the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

Bonus tip: If the weather is really cold, place a towel near the base of external doors to reduce draughts in those areas.

3. Let the Taps Drip (Just a Little!)

Letting a tiny trickle of water run from a tap (especially at night) helps prevent freezing. Running water doesn’t freeze as easily.

A slow drip from the cold tap in your kitchen or bathroom can relieve pressure in the pipes and stop ice from forming.

Only do this in extreme cold, and check with your housemates first.

4. Report Any Issues or Leaks Early

If you notice:

• No water coming from the taps
• Weird noises in the pipes
• Damp patches on walls or floors
• Water suddenly gushing from a pipe

Report it to us immediately via your tenant portal or local Mistoria branch. Fast reporting = faster repairs and less damage.

5. Don’t Block Radiators or Heaters

If your radiator is behind a pile of laundry or a sofa, heat won’t circulate properly — and colder areas of the house are more likely to develop pipe issues.

Keep radiators clear
Don’t hang damp towels over them for too long
Bleed them if they’re not heating evenly (we can show you how)

Quick Checklist: How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Keep heating on low, even when out
Open under-sink cupboard doors in cold weather
Let taps drip slowly during severe cold snaps
Don’t block radiators or heaters
Report any suspected leaks or frozen pipes straight away

Final Thoughts

Frozen pipes might not seem like a big deal — until they burst. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your home, your belongings, and your deposit this winter.

At Mistoria House Share, we’re here to help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the colder months. If you’re ever unsure, just get in touch — we’d rather help early than deal with a burst pipe later.

Need to report an issue or want winter-proofing advice?
Call 0800 500 3015 or contact your local Mistoria House Share.

Visit https://mistoriahouseshare.com

Whether you’re attending lectures, working in the library, playing your favourite sport or meeting up with friends on socials, we know that you’ve got lots going on in your life. We understand that your responsibilities in your property will be the last thing on your mind. That’s why we thought we’d write this blog post, as a reminder of some simple dos and don’ts from your friendly Manchester student lettings agent… 

1. Try and keep the property clean and tidy at all times. We’ve written a blog post in the past about creating a cleaning rota and the best products to use.  
2. No food to be left/eaten in bedrooms – we know you do this, but don’t leave evidence of it!
3. Don’t attach posters to the walls with Blu-Tac as it causes grease marks that are really difficult to get rid of.
4. Put your rubbish in the correct bins and don’t let it pile up, especially in your garden or yard. This causes an unsightly mess and encourages vermin. 
5. Keep all rooms vented to prevent condensation and damp. When you’re at home, open windows a little and use extractor fans in the bathroom when you’re showering and the kitchen when you’re cooking. 
6. When you first moved in, you will have been shown how to top up the boiler, clean out the hoover and clean the filters in your washing machine, all things you may not have known before. With just a bit of maintenance on your part, household items will stay in effective working order.
7. Smoking is not allowed in any of our properties. Make your student house a nice environment for everyone and smoke outside, away from open windows and doors.
8. Wet wipes and kitchen roll should be disposed of in a bin and not flushed down the toilet, otherwise you run the risk of causing blockages.
9. Clean your shower regularly, removing hair from the plug and making sure mould doesn’t form. 
10. Use boiler timers and your thermostat. This will help keep the house at a pleasant temperature and prevent pipes from freezing up in cold weather.
11. When using the internet, be considerate of other people in your house; streaming films will slow your housemates’ connection speed down and can be really frustrating for anyone trying to work.
12. Anti-social/irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. You each have equal responsibility to make your student house a safe and pleasant place to live for yourselves and your neighbours.

If you don’t follow the guidance above, the Mistoria House Share maintenance team might have to be called out and you may be charged for the work that they do to fix a problem. 

If you’re looking for student houses in the North West, please get in touch with Manchester student lettings agent, Mistoria House Share on 0161 694 6427.

We often get asked whether students need a TV licence for their house and it seems like there’s a lot of misinformation out there. We’ve written this blog post to break down when you need one and when you can do without. 

What is the TV Licence?

You’ll need a TV licence if you want to watch live TV, or watch or download TV programmes using iPlayer. The fee is used to pay for every aspect of the BBC’s service offering, from TV programming to podcasts and weather forecasts. Even if you spend your time watching the likes of ITV and Channel 4, you still probably use a BBC service; in a recent survey, 92% of respondents said they used at least one BBC service a week.   

If you never watch live TV and never use iPlayer, you do not need to pay the licence fee. If that’s the case, you need to let TV Licencing know. You can do that here. 

However, if you do need the licence but don’t pay, you could be fined more than £1000 if an enforcement officer visits your house. This includes confirming that you have a licence when asked on the iPlayer app, even if you do not.

How Much Does It Cost?

The TV licence fee this year is £154.50. That may seem high, but it’s actually reasonable given the amount of quality TV you get for your money. The cost rises with inflation each year. Sadly, there’s no discount if you’re a student, but if you’re in a shared student house, signed under a joint tenancy agreement, you only need one licence. You can then save money by equally dividing the cost of the licence between you and your friends.

If you only need the licence during term time, you may be entitled to a partial refund. You’ll have to apply for this on the TV Licencing website and provide proof of your term dates. You’ll be able to get a refund if there’s still at least a full month left on your licence. 

How Do I Pay?

The easiest way to pay your licence fee is as a one-off payment online via debit or credit card. You can also pay in installments, via cheque, by post, or via PayPoint services at most supermarkets and corner shops.  

Do I Have To Pay?

We’ve got some great news for students! As part of our ‘bills inclusive’ package, the TV licence is provided free of charge by Mistoria House Share! 

If you’re on the hunt for student lettings, Manchester based Mistoria House Share are here to help. Speak to the friendly team secure a house for next year.