How We Verify
Every Property
Every property on Student Home is manually verified before it goes live. No automated approvals, no unvetted listings. Students can apply with confidence.
Total time from submission to going live: 7–12 business days
Document submission
Immediate
Uploaded via owner dashboard
Document review
2 business days
Manual review by compliance team
Inspection booking
1 business day
After document approval
On-site inspection
5–7 business days
Inspector visits the property
Compliance assessment
1–2 business days
NSFAS & regulatory checks
Final approval & go live
1 business day
Listing published automatically
The 4-Step Verification Process
Each step is handled by our in-house compliance team — not an algorithm.
Submit Your Documents
Upload all required property and ownership documents through your owner dashboard. Our compliance team reviews every document manually — no automated rejections.
On-Site Inspection
A Student Home inspector visits the property to verify that living conditions, safety features, and listed amenities match your submission. This step is required for NSFAS accreditation only.
Compliance Review
Our compliance team cross-checks your property against NSFAS accreditation standards (DHET), the Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999, and local municipal by-laws.
Receive Your Badge & Go Live
Approved properties receive the Verified badge and go live on the platform immediately. Properties that also pass the NSFAS compliance check receive the NSFAS Accredited badge.
Verification Badges
Two distinct badges indicate different levels of verification — students know exactly what to expect.
Verified
All properties
Awarded when ownership documents, safety certificates, and the listing details have been reviewed and confirmed by the Student Home compliance team.
What it unlocks
NSFAS Accredited
After on-site inspection
Awarded after the property passes the on-site inspection and meets all NSFAS minimum norms and standards as set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
What it unlocks
Required Documents
Have all documents ready before applying. Incomplete submissions are paused until the missing items are provided — this delays your go-live date.
Ownership & Legal
RequiredTitle deed
Must be in the applicant's name or entity name
Signed lease agreement
Required for sub-let operators who do not own the building
CIPC registration certificate
Required if the property is owned or operated by a company or CC
Valid identity document
South African ID or valid passport of the property owner
Municipal & Financial
RequiredMunicipal rates clearance certificate
Must be issued within the last 3 months
Proof of building insurance
Confirming the property is insured against structural damage
Bank account confirmation letter
For NSFAS payment processing via the iEnablement portal
Safety & Compliance
RequiredElectrical compliance certificate (COC)
Issued by a registered electrician — must be current
Fire extinguisher certification
Proof of serviced, correctly placed fire extinguishers
Gas compliance certificate
Required only if the property uses gas appliances
Health & Safety
SituationalPest control clearance
Recommended — required for NSFAS accreditation
Water quality report
Required only for properties with borehole or tank water supply
Structural safety certificate
Required for properties with known structural modifications or age concerns
Important: Document validity
All certificates must be current at the time of submission. Expired electrical compliance certificates, outdated municipal clearance certificates, or lapsed insurance policies will result in your submission being placed on hold.
Minimum Property Standards
These are the minimum physical standards your property must meet to receive verification. NSFAS accreditation requires all standards to be met.
Minimum room size
Single rooms must be at least 8m². Shared rooms must have at least 4.5m² of floor space per occupant.
Natural light & ventilation
Each room must have at least one opening window. Bathrooms must have ventilation — natural or mechanical.
Bathroom ratio
At least one toilet and shower per every 6 occupants. Separate male and female facilities for mixed-gender properties.
Fire safety
A functional fire extinguisher within 20 metres of each room. Smoke detectors required on every floor.
Security
Perimeter fencing or walling, lockable entrance gate, security lighting at all access points, and lockable room doors.
Electricity
Every room must have at least one power outlet. All wiring must comply with SANS 10142. A valid COC is mandatory.
Water supply
Continuous access to clean, running water. Hot water must be available in all bathrooms.
Common areas
A communal kitchen and study area must be available to all residents. Appliances must be in working condition.
Possible Outcomes
Approved
All documents and standards met. Listing goes live. Verified badge awarded. NSFAS badge awarded if inspection passed.
Conditionally Approved
Minor issues identified. You will receive a list of corrective actions. Once resolved, the listing goes live without a full re-inspection.
Declined
Significant non-compliance identified. A detailed report is provided. You may resubmit once the issues are resolved — no new registration fee required.
Annual Re-verification
All properties are re-verified annually to ensure ongoing compliance. Owners will be notified 30 days before their re-verification due date. Updated safety certificates (COC, fire extinguisher service records) will be required. Properties that fail re-verification are temporarily suspended until the issues are resolved.
Questions about the verification process? Contact our compliance team.
Ready to get your property verified?
Create your owner account, submit your documents, and be live in under 2 weeks.