At PfP Students, we deliver high-quality hard services tailored to the needs of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) buildings and academic estates across the UK. As a specialist facilities management partner to universities, PBSA and High Education (HE) facility owners, developers, and investors, we understand the unique demands of creating safe, efficient, and compliant student living, learning and working environments.
Where generalist providers spread their focus, we are dedicated to the student accommodation and HE academic estates sector. Every service is aligned with the standards expected by students, Customers, Colleagues, regulators, and stakeholders.
From planned preventative maintenance (PPM) to responsive repairs, our hard services are designed to protect and extend the life of your assets, while also reducing operational downtime. They ensure compliance with all legal requirements and keep PBSA and academic buildings running reliably and sustainably.
With PfP Students, you gain a partner who combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of what matters most in student accommodation and HE estates - safety, consistency, and confidence for all.
What are hard services in PBSA management?
Hard services are the core physical and structural maintenance services that ensure your PBSA property and other academic spaces remain safe, compliant, and operational. These services cover the essential aspects of your building. Our PBSA hard services offering includes:
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Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Services – Ongoing inspections, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems.
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Plumbing & Water Systems – Ensuring safe and efficient hot water, cold water, and drainage systems, including legionella prevention.
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Fire Safety Systems – Installation, monitoring, and maintenance of fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
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Lift & Access Systems – Regular servicing and compliance checks for lifts and access equipment.
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Building Fabric Maintenance – Structural repairs, roofing, glazing, and interior fabric upkeep to maintain safety and appearance.
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Security Management Systems – Optimisation of building security systems, customised to each facility’s unique circumstances to keep students, staff and visitors safe.
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Health and Safety Services - Services ensure every building is safe, compliant, and a place where Students, Customers, Colleagues, and Communities can thrive.
By taking a strategic and proactive approach, we reduce the risk of costly downtime while extending the lifecycle of your PBSA and other HE assets.
Key benefits of hard services in a PBSA and HE environment
We understand the challenges and requirements of this complex sector, so we have developed our specialist hard services facilities management offering to include strategic support such as:
Enhanced compliance & safety
Student accommodation buildings must meet strict regulatory standards across fire safety, electrical testing, water hygiene, and accessibility. High-quality hard services ensure your property is always audit-ready and legally compliant, protecting both students and stakeholders.
Reduced downtime & operational disruption
A well-managed planned maintenance (PPM) schedule minimises the risk of system failures, which means fewer inconveniences for and complaints from students and reduced disruption of day-to-day operations.
Improved student satisfaction
In a competitive PBSA market, the quality of facilities directly impacts student experience, which has a significant effect on brand reputation and occupancy rates. When your facilities deliver reliable heating, safe buildings, and well-maintained common areas, this contributes to higher satisfaction scores, fewer complaints, stronger retention rates and a more consistent ROI.
Asset protection & lifecycle extension
By investing in ongoing hard services maintenance, you protect your building’s long-term value and extend the lifespan of key systems, reducing costly capital expenditure in the future.
Energy & cost efficiency
Optimised building services and systems not only reduce environmental impact but also deliver significant cost savings, which is an important factor for operators and investors seeking a strong ROI.
Why choose us for hard services facilities management?
Not all facilities management (FM) providers operate in the same way. As part of the Places for People Group, the UK’s leading Social Enterprise, every penny we make from delivering exceptional hard services is reinvested into Communities through social housing and Community initiatives.
Our sector expertise gives us a deep understanding of needs that are unique to students, academic staff, the nuances of higher education estates and the many industry compliance requirements.
Alongside hard services, we also offer total FM, including soft services too.
Choosing PfP Students means that you’re partnering with a specialist who understands the HE sector and that PBSAs are not just properties, they are student Communities that help to shape the whole experience and academic journey of those living there.
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch today to find out more about our Hard Facilities Management Services.