A lot of students are caught in costly mistakes when they rent. Beware of unpleasant surprises before you sign the lease by following our suggestions and printable checklist of your viewing! The odds will always be in your favor.
Based on the results of our National Student Accommodation Survey, three-quarters of students think their home at university isn’t good value for the money.
So, stay clear of the urge to search for a home and look at homes carefully. This is your chance for you to be able to make an educated choice and to avoid having for a home that you do not like.
There’s a number of things to consider from deposits to damp and bus stop locations, you cannot conduct too much research, however, our suggestions below will make it simpler. There’s even an easy-to-print checklist of viewings that lets you evaluate and evaluate properties!
How do you prepare your home for viewings
Where can you find student housing
Local student letting companies are the most obvious option but certain students prefer dealing directly with landlords.
It’s a further layer of protection when you opt to use an agency as they’ll act as a mediator between you and the landlord. This will ensure that the entire Tenancy Agreement is in accordance with the rules – however, costs could be more expensive.
If you’re considering opting for the landlord option you should check with the university accommodation department for an approved list of landlords in your area.
Things to ask during a visit the house
Here are the top questions to ask during a tour of student accommodation Leicester:
Are there any bills included?
Do you have an Gas Certificate?
What’s the deal with what is the Energy Performance Certificate?
Are there discounts for leasing during summer?
How do I deposit money and what is the scheme for deposit?
What time does the deposit need to be to be paid?
How do we receive our deposit back at the end of our lease?
Have you got an inventory of your belongings? What are the appliances and furniture included?
Is there a parking space for cars or bike storage facility available?
Are you able to provide a copy of a tenancy agreement that we can look at?
Are there any extra costs or charges for agency/advertising?
We’ll cover all the essential things to look out for when looking at an apartment or house in the following list.
What to look out for when visiting a student home
According to our experience, there are ten important things to look out in the event of viewing or contemplating the purchase of a home:
Damp
Standards for rental housing are being improved However, our most recent housing survey found that 26% students are affected by extreme damp and black mould.
Don’t be deceived into thinking damp looks disgusting – it is a noxious smell, which can ruin your furniture and clothes and could create serious health problems (especially when you have asthma, hayfever or any other ailments that could influence respiration).
If you are looking at a home take a look at the ceilings and walls – especially at the corners of windows, in corners as well as behind closets. Be on the lookout for flaking wallpaper or paint as well as black mould spots and an unpleasant smell. these are all signs to look out for also.
If you are moving in and discover that your landlord isn’t getting issues with damp, you should do some research about your rights since you could be legally able to take them to court.
Pest-related problems
Infestations are a major issue in the student homes. Pests that are commonly found in student homes include mice as well as slugs, fruit fly as well as cockroaches, pigeons, and occasionally, rats.
In reality, it’s usually because previous tenants left food waste and bins that are overflowing all over. However, regardless you shouldn’t have to pay for the squalidity of previous tenants.
Do not be afraid to inspect the kitchen cabinets as well as work surfaces, and even within bins. Check for droppings, traps and slug tracks.
On the upper floor, watch out for pigeons settling within the attic. They can become very irritating just like all unwanted visitors could! Watch the first episode on our show, No More Beans, to learn the ways Tom and Jess tackled their own issues with pests at the university.
The property’s location
It is well-known how crucial place is in deciding which area to reside in (the shorter it takes you to get out of bed and go to your classes the better you’ll be, right? ).
If a property near the university may be a bit expensive It’s essential to determine the distance to a decent transportation network.
However, proximity to university (or the means to get there) isn’t all you need to take into consideration when looking at places. When you travel to the screening be sure to look out for local conveniences such as supermarkets, newsagents, doctors, and of course, pubs.
Safety and security
Unfortunately, the crime rates in the areas of student residence are usually high. The criminals who are looking for opportunities know that students who are drinking at night are more likely to open doors and windows unlocked, or forget their keys are at the door of their front (we’ve had to be there).
Security is something students should consider when looking at a home. Check if the property has a burglar alarm (bonus!) and ensure that the doors are secured, particularly the main entrance door to the building has a secure entry.
If you’re concerned about security, make sure to mention this with your landlord. They’re not interested in burglaries as well, and it’s possible that they’ll offer to enhance the security of your the security of your locks as well as access points in order to secure your home (and your home from burglars).
If you aren’t familiar with the region well, conduct some research to determine how secure it is. Homes that are located on roads with good lighting are typically the most secure. They may be appealing for some pupils, however they aren’t without their flaws in terms of crime. However, wherever your home is you live, read our guide to protect your home from burglars.
Be sure to ensure whether the building is equipped with smoke alarms and extinguishers, and fire blankets. If you’re living in an HMO (house with multiple occupation) it must be clearly identified emergency exits.If you’re living within a group of 3 or more college students your landlord is required to comply with strict HMO rules. It’s a bit frustrating that, despite being legally binding the regulations are difficult to apply. They are there for your safety and security, so make sure to check the details on the internet or ask the local authority.
White goods and appliances that are electric
Be sure to confirm whether the appliances are functional and working properly. Be sure to know what’s covered in the tenancy contract and inventory as well (e.g. the washing machine is likely to be included, however the microwave might be the property of tenant currently).
If you notice anything that isn’t right take the time to flag it to the letting agent or the landlord and, if required add a few lines added to your tenancy agreement which ensures that the landlord will be aware of the issue prior to you moving into.
It’s also important to make sure there’s enough equipment to accommodate the entire group. For instance, if you’re moving in as a family of six and have just one fridge freezer, it will not work.
Be aware of suspicious-looking sockets or loose or exposed cables, as they can be extremely hazardous and must be taken care of prior to moving into.
The water supply
If you have a group of students who use the bathroom multiple times per day, low water pressure isn’t going to create a happy home! While you’re looking the faucets, make sure you give them one quick twist to ensure there’s more than a drip.
You may also want to examine the flush in the toilet to make sure that it’s operating just as it is supposed to.
While you’re at it you should be looking for any damp spots or leaks. Damage from water is extremely costly and also dangerous The guys who did it learned through the painfully!
Furniture and fittings
As stated above ensure that you’re aware of what’s included in your stock and not. A beautiful leather sofa may be the main selling point but it might be gone at the time you get there.
It’s also important to note that estate agents have recommended that landlords who rent to students must provide each tenant with a table and chair (if they are advertising that the house is a student residence).
If you can, take a look at mattresses for damaged springs, as they can be uncomfortable and dangerous over time.
Make sure that the home is properly insulated.
Everyone is aware that energy bills are among the largest expenses as a student (if you don’t include them in the rent you pay). The fact that your house is properly insulated can make an impact of PS100s in the cost of energy throughout the year.
Do not be concerned about going into the loft to check for insulation on the roof. Your primary issues ought to be windows with double glazing, safe doors, a well-designed heating system, and the absence of drafty places.
Check to see if you can get an idea of the walls in the house, too. If they’re cold, this is an indication that insulation isn’t as good (and can eventually result in damp walls). Conducting these tests will assist you in reducing your energy costs.
There’s no harm in looking at your roof’s exterior from of the home to determine if there are there are any missing tiles. If they are missing, it could result in leaks all through the year.
Refrain from freebies and tricks
A few landlords offer “freebies like huge TVs or no bill to the end of the year to lure you in. Beware of these types of deals, since although they may appear to be great deals it is possible that the landlord will use these extra amenities to get you to rent the property at a higher cost.
However, that doesn’t mean that this will always be the case, however it’s just a matter of having to be savvy. A great TV is good and well, but when it adds greater than PS400 to your annual rental it’s better off purchasing your own.
Contact the current tenants
Nobody is more knowledgeable of what a house and how it feels to live there than the current tenants. They’re most likely to give an honest and objective perspective, as they’ve no gain (or gain) from telling you anything other story.
You can get a good understanding by asking the following one question “So you want to know what the most beneficial and least favorable aspects about this home? “.
If the landlord isn’t looking watching over you They could alert you to something that the landlord may have missed or attempts to cover up. If they appear to be content, that’s the most trustworthy testimony you can receive.
The residents of this house of horrors discovered that they had a conversation with the former tenants following their move into the property, having a chat with them prior to moving in can save you lots of stress later in the future.
Make sure to take photos and videos while watching to receive second opinions from family and friends and assist you in making your decision later.