Leicester is home to two universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, and thousands of students and young professionals renting across the city every year. For landlords, that means steady demand, but also plenty of competition. When tenants are comparing similar properties on similar streets, small practical details can make the difference.

Storage is one of them. A boarded loft with a safe, easy-to-use loft ladder turns unused roof space into somewhere tenants can actually keep their things. In this guide, we look at how loft storage can add value to rental and student properties in Leicester, and what landlords should check before they go ahead.

Why storage matters to tenants

Most rental homes are short on storage, and student houses even more so. Four or five people sharing one terraced house means four or five sets of suitcases, bikes, sports kit, winter clothes and boxes from moving day, and nowhere obvious to put any of it.

Without proper storage, those belongings end up in hallways, on landings and in bedrooms. That makes a property feel smaller, makes viewings less appealing, and can cause wear and tear over the course of a tenancy.

Students in particular move in and out at set points in the year. Somewhere to store empty suitcases and seasonal items between terms is genuinely useful, and it’s the kind of feature that stands out on a listing.

How loft storage adds value for landlords

Boarding a loft is a relatively small job compared with most property improvements, but it can pay back in several ways:

• A stronger listing. “Boarded loft storage with ladder access” is a practical selling point that helps a property stand out against similar lets nearby.
• Tidier, better-kept homes. When tenants have somewhere to put things, communal spaces stay clearer and there’s less clutter-related damage to walls, floors and doors.
• Happier tenants who stay longer. A home that works well day to day is easier to live in, which can help with renewals and reduce void periods.
• Safer loft access. Replacing a wobbly stepladder routine with a fitted loft ladder and secure hatch reduces the risk of falls when tenants do go up into the loft.
• Space for landlord storage. Some landlords keep spare fixtures, paint or garden equipment in a section of the loft, which can save trips during maintenance visits. Make sure this is clearly agreed in the tenancy.

Loft storage in typical Leicester rental properties

Leicester’s rental stock is varied, and the type of property affects what’s possible in the loft.

Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Many student lets around Clarendon Park, Westcotes and Highfields are older terraced homes. Their lofts can be a good size, but joists may be shallower and hatches smaller, so boarding is usually done carefully to avoid overloading ceilings below. A larger hatch may be worth considering if the existing opening is awkward.

Inter-war and post-war semis. Common in areas popular with young professionals and families renting, these homes often have roomier lofts that are well suited to boarding.

Newer builds. Houses on more recent developments around Leicestershire usually have trussed rafter roofs. These can still be boarded, but the trusses must not be cut or altered, and raised boarding systems are often used to keep insulation working properly.

Whatever the property, a surveyor-style look at the loft before any work starts will show how much usable storage space there really is.

What landlords should check first

Loft boarding for storage is a straightforward job, but rental properties come with extra responsibilities. Before booking, it’s worth checking a few things.

HMO licensing and conditions. If your property is a house in multiple occupation, it may be licensed by Leicester City Council and come with specific conditions. Check your licence and speak to the council if you’re unsure whether any changes to the loft need to be notified.

Fire safety. In shared houses, the loft hatch often sits above a landing that forms part of the escape route. Your fire risk assessment or licence conditions may require a fire-resisting hatch, so ask your installer about fire-rated options.

Storage, not living space. Boarded loft storage is just that. Using a loft as a bedroom or habitable room is a different project with its own building regulations, so make it clear to tenants what the space is for.

Insurance and the tenancy agreement. Let your landlord insurer know about the improvement, and set out in the tenancy who can use the loft and what can be stored there.

When to get the work done

The easiest time to board a loft is between tenancies, when the property is empty and fitters can work without disturbing anyone. For student lets, that usually means the summer changeover before the new academic year.

If the property is occupied, most loft boarding and ladder installations can still be completed with minimal disruption. Give tenants proper notice, agree access times, and ask them to clear the area below the hatch beforehand.

Loft storage for your Leicester rental property

If you’re a landlord looking to make your rental or student property more appealing, boarded loft storage is a simple, practical upgrade. Our Leicester branch installs loft boarding, loft ladders and loft hatches across Leicester and Leicestershire, and can advise on the best option for your property.

Get in touch with our Leicester branch today to arrange a free quote.