Awards

Manchester Student Homes Awards

Nominations for the MSH Awards are now closed.

You can join us at our MSH Awards Event on Wednesday 22 April 2026, from 2.30pm until 4pm.

 

Register here.

Top
Nomination Criteria

Explore the criteria for each MSH Award category and learn what our judging panel looks for in a strong nomination. Whether you're recognising a landlord, a private hall, or a community champion, these criteria will help you understand how nominations are assessed and what makes an entry stand out.


HMO Landlord Award (More than 10 Properties)

 

For larger portfolio landlords demonstrating consistency and leadership 

 

1. Consistency of Standards 

How does this landlord ensure quality and safety across multiple properties? 

 

2. Management Systems 

What evidence is there of clear processes for repairs, communication, or complaint handling? 

 

3. Tenant Wellbeing 

How does this landlord support student wellbeing beyond minimum legal requirements? 

 

4. Professionalism & Fair Practice 

How does the landlord demonstrate transparency and fairness in contracts, deposits, or letting practices? 

 

5. Sector Contribution 

In what ways has this landlord contributed positively to raising standards or working constructively with partners such as Manchester Student Homes or universities? 

 

⭐ Judging Scoring Matrix

 

Each question is scored on a 1–5 scale. 

 

Score 

Description 

1 – Limited Evidence 

Minimal detail provided. Meets only basic expectations or unclear impact. 

2 – Developing 

Some positive practice shown, but inconsistent or limited evidence of impact. 

3 – Good 

Clear evidence of solid practice. Meets expectations well and shows positive impact. 

4 – Very Good 

Strong, consistent evidence. Goes beyond standard expectations in several areas. 

5 – Outstanding 

Exceptional practice. Clear, sustained impact. Significantly exceeds expectations and stands out from peers. 

 

🏆 Category Scoring Structure 

 

HMO Landlord (10+ Properties) - Total Possible: 25

Criterion 

Score (1–5) 

Consistency of Standards 

 

Management Systems 

 

Tenant Wellbeing 

 

Professionalism & Fair Practice 

 

Sector Contribution / Partnership 

 

 

HMO Landlord Award (Fewer than 10 Properties)

For landlords demonstrating excellent small-scale, hands-on management 

 

1. Property Standards 

How does this landlord maintain the quality and safety of their properties? 

(Examples of upkeep, improvements, inspections, or safety measures) 


2. Tenant Experience 

In what ways does this landlord create a positive experience for student tenants? 

 

(Communication style, fairness, respect, professionalism) 


3. Responsiveness 

Can you give an example of how the landlord handled a repair, issue, or concern effectively? 

 

4. Approach to Students 

How does this landlord show understanding of student needs or go beyond basic expectations? 


5. Engagement & Good Practice 

How has this landlord engaged positively with Manchester Student Homes or shown openness to good practice and improvement? 


⭐ Judging Scoring Matrix

 

Each question is scored on a 1–5 scale. 

 

Score 

Description 

1 – Limited Evidence 

Minimal detail provided. Meets only basic expectations or unclear impact. 

2 – Developing 

Some positive practice shown, but inconsistent or limited evidence of impact. 

3 – Good 

Clear evidence of solid practice. Meets expectations well and shows positive impact. 

4 – Very Good 

<>Strong, consistent evidence. Goes beyond standard expectations in several areas. 

 

5 – Outstanding 

Exceptional practice. Clear, sustained impact. Significantly exceeds expectations and stands out from peers 


🏆 Category Scoring Structure 


Judges score each nomination question using the 1–5 scale. 

Shape 

HMO Landlord (<10 Properties) - Total Possible: 25 

Criterion 

Score (1–5) 

Property Standards 

 

Tenant Experience 

 

Responsiveness to Issues 

 

Student-Focused Approach 

 

Engagement with Good Practice / MSH 

 

 

Private Hall Award

1. Quality of Accommodation

What makes this accommodation stand out in terms of safety, design, facilities, or maintenance?


2. Student Support & Welfare

How does the scheme support student wellbeing, safety, or inclusion?


3. Management & Communication

How does the on-site team demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication?


4. Community & Student Experience

What initiatives or practices help build a positive resident community?


5. Responsible Operation

How does the accommodation provider demonstrate ethical practice, regulatory compliance, and positive engagement with partners?


⭐ Judging Scoring Matrix


Each question is scored on a 1–5 scale. 


Score 

Description 

1 – Limited Evidence 

Minimal detail provided. Meets only basic expectations or unclear impact. 

2 – Developing 

Some positive practice shown, but inconsistent or limited evidence of impact. 

3 – Good 

Clear evidence of solid practice. Meets expectations well and shows positive impact. 

4 – Very Good 

Strong, consistent evidence. Goes beyond standard expectations in several areas. 

<>5 – Outstanding 

 

Exceptional practice. Clear, sustained impact. Significantly exceeds expectations and stands out from peers 


🏆 Category Scoring Structure 


Private Hall Development - Total Possible: 25 


Criterion

Score (1–5)

Quality of Accommodation

 

Student Support & Welfare

 

Management & Communication

 

Community & Student Experience

 

Responsible & Ethical Operation

 

 

Good Neighbours Award

This award recognises any individual or group who helps create a respectful, supportive, and connected community in areas where students live.


Positive impact on the wider neighbourhood, bringing students and long-term residents together.


✅ Open to:

  • Students
  • Long-term residents
  • Landlords or housing staff
  • Community groups
  • Local volunteers
  • Neighbourhood organisations

⭐ Judging Criteria


Nominees may demonstrate impact in one or more of the following areas:


🤝 Strengthening Community Connections


  • Bringing students and long-term residents together
  • Encouraging mutual understanding and respect
  • Supporting integration of students into local neighbourhood life

💛 Supporting People’s Wellbeing


  • Helping students, neighbours, or vulnerable residents
  • Acts of kindness, support, or practical help
  • Creating safe and welcoming environments

🏘️ Positive Neighbourhood Impact


  • Improving shared spaces or local initiatives
  • Reducing tensions or resolving issues constructively
  • Promoting responsible, respectful living

🌱 Going Above and Beyond


  • Voluntary or additional efforts outside normal expectations
  • Consistent, sustained contribution to the community
  • Taking initiative to make things better

✨ Making a Lasting Difference


  • Clear, meaningful impact on people or the neighbourhood
  • A contribution others recognise and value

Community Award - Total Possible: 25

Criterion

Score (1–5)

Nature of Contribution

 

Going Above and Beyond

 

Support for Wellbeing & Inclusion

 

Community Impact

 

Lasting Difference

 

 

Top