FOI_26-160 Servicing of mattresses and accommodation rooms
Date of response: 29 July 2026
We have now considered your request of 15 July 2026 for the following information:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request the following information relating to university-owned or university-managed student accommodation.
Please note this request relates only to university-owned or university-managed accommodation. It does not include accommodation owned and managed entirely by third-party providers.
Current information
Question 1. How many student bed spaces does the university currently provide in university-owned or university-managed accommodation?
Our response:
2,616.
Question 2. Does the university have a formal mattress replacement policy?
If yes, please explain what it is.
Our response:
The University operates a mattress lifecycle and replacement process for all University-owned residential accommodation. Our Mattresses have an expected lifespan of 5–7 years, subject to manufacturer warranty and condition. Mattresses are inspected annually during the summer Deep Clean programme and may be replaced sooner where excessive wear, damage, hygiene concerns, quality issues, or approved medical requirements are identified. In addition, all mattresses are replaced as part of major accommodation refurbishment projects.
Question 3. After how many years are mattresses routinely replaced?
Our response:
Mattresses have a standard lifecycle of 5–7 years. However, replacement may occur earlier if inspections identify damage, deterioration, hygiene concerns, or if the mattress no longer meets acceptable accommodation standards.
Question 4. How often are mattresses routinely inspected for damage or wear?
Our response:
Mattresses are routinely inspected annually during our summer Deep Clean period. Inspections assess structural integrity, signs of wear and tear, broken springs, sagging, damage, and hygiene concerns. Additional inspections can be arranged at any time following reports or concerns from residents.
Question 5. Are mattresses routinely cleaned or sanitised between student occupancies?
If yes, please briefly describe the process.
Our response:
Yes. Mattresses are routinely inspected and cleaned during room turnaround and the annual Deep Clean programme. Mattresses assessed as suitable for continued use are cleaned using approved anti-bacterial cleaning products. Any mattress found to be damaged, excessively worn, unhygienic, or below the University's accommodation standards are replaced.
Annual figures
Please provide the following information separately for each of the academic years below.
Question 6. How many reports of bed bugs were recorded in university-managed accommodation?
2022/23:
2023/24:
2024/25:
Our response:
2022-23: 2
2023-24: 12
2024-25: 5
Question 7. How many rooms required pest control treatment for bed bugs?
2022/23:
2023/24:
2024/25:
Our response:
2022-23: 1
2023-24: 1
2024-25: 0