Business Details
Trusted Student Property Management in Durham
Harringtons Student Lettings Student Lettings is a local, independent property management agency with over 30 years of experience in the Durham student property market. Our ethos centres on delivering a professional and personal service grounded in honesty, integrity, and a commitment to acting in our clients' best interests. We prioritise the quality of our team, believing that the right people determine client outcomes and experiences. Our modern, forward-thinking approach is driven by an ambitious team dedicated to enhancing student living. We specialise in managing student homes, offering landlords peace of mind through expert property management.Our services include rent collection, property inspections, repair coordination, and compliance with safety regulations. With a deep understanding of Durham's student market, we provide tailored solutions for landlords and tenants. Our team's expertise ensures efficient property management, minimising void periods and maximising returns. We maintain strong relationships with Durham Student Union and local stakeholders to secure quality tenants. Accredited by leading industry bodies, we adhere to rigorous standards of professionalism and accountability.
Services
Student Property Management
Tenant Find Service
Fully Managed Lettings
Property Valuation
Compliance Advice
Highlights and features
- We are based in Durham City Centre for local market expertise
- Our team provides a friendly yet professional student-focused service
- We streamline accommodation searches with efficient processes
- We combine 30+ years of Durham property market experience
- Our dedicated staff ensure tenants feel supported throughout their stay
Associations and certifications
- CMP
- ICO
- Safe Agent
- PRS
Services
Student Property Management
Our comprehensive management service handles all aspects of student property ownership. We collect rent, coordinate maintenance, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Landlords benefit from regular financial statements and proactive tenant communication, while tenants receive responsive support throughout their tenancy. This service maximises property returns while minimising owner involvement.
Tenant Find Service
We source qualified tenants through Durham Student Union partnerships and extensive marketing. The process includes property valuation, professional photography, and targeted advertising. Our rigorous application checks ensure reliable tenants, with optional deposit protection and legal documentation support. This service reduces vacancy periods while maintaining tenant quality standards.
Fully Managed Lettings
This end-to-end solution covers property marketing, tenant acquisition, compliance management, and ongoing maintenance. We handle inventory checks, safety certifications, and financial reporting. Landlords receive guaranteed rent payments and detailed statements, while tenants access 24/7 support channels. The service includes periodic property inspections and dispute resolution.
Property Valuation
We provide free market assessments based on location, property size, and local demand. Our valuations consider current rental trends in Durham's student areas, ensuring competitive pricing that attracts quality tenants while maximising returns. The service includes comparative market analysis and income optimisation recommendations.
Compliance Advice
We ensure properties meet all legal requirements including gas safety, electrical testing, and EPC standards. Our team prepares required documentation, conducts inventory checks, and provides safety certification. This service protects landlords from legal risks while maintaining tenant safety and regulatory adherence.
People
Nick Swift
Director
Nick has managed student properties since 1990 after graduating from Durham University. He oversees strategic operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in property acquisitions and client relations. His expertise in Durham's student market ensures effective investment strategies for landlords.
Amanda Bell
Head of Finance
With 13 years' accountancy experience, Amanda manages financial operations and serves as senior office contact. She ensures compliance with financial regulations while overseeing day-to-day administrative functions. Her background in large accountancy practices brings rigorous financial oversight to the team.
Ellie Clish
Senior Lettings Negotiator
Ellie has progressed from apprenticeship to senior role over eight years. She acts as primary contact for tenants and landlords, leveraging local market knowledge to match properties with student needs. Her approach combines professionalism with personal touch in client interactions.
Derek Bell
Maintenance
Certified in joinery, plastering, and plumbing, Derek handles property repairs and maintenance. His technical expertise ensures prompt resolution of property issues. With prior care sector experience, he applies meticulous attention to detail in property upkeep and tenant safety.
Amy Coulson
Finance Administrator Assistant
A York St John graduate, Amy supports financial operations and client communications. Her banking background enhances her ability to manage administrative tasks efficiently. She coordinates with lettings teams to ensure seamless service delivery across property management functions.
Questions
What areas of Durham do you cover?
We manage properties across Durham City Centre, Science Site, Viaduct, Claypath, and Gilesgate areas.
Do you offer different management packages?
Yes, we provide both tenant-find-only and fully managed lettings packages tailored to landlord needs.
How do you handle property maintenance?
Our certified maintenance team responds promptly to repair requests and conducts regular property inspections.
What tenant screening processes do you use?
We verify student status, conduct reference checks, and require parental guarantees for most tenancies.
Are you accredited by industry bodies?
We are members of The Property Ombudsman, CMP, ICO, Safe Agent, and PRS schemes.
How are rent payments handled?
Rent is collected monthly/quarterly in advance and transferred to landlords with detailed payment statements.
