Many students get caught in expensive mistakes when they rent. Avoid unpleasant surprises prior to when you sign the lease by following our suggestions and printable checklist for viewing! The odds will always be in your favor.
Based on the results of our National Student Accommodation Survey, 33% of students believe their home at university isn’t good value in terms of value.
So, stay clear of the urge to buy a house and take your time looking at properties. It’s your opportunity to take a shrewd choice and to avoid having to live in a location that you do not like.
There’s a number of things to consider from damp to deposits in bus stations, you cannot be too thorough – however, our suggestions below will make it simpler. We’ve also included an easy-to-print checklist of viewings to help you evaluate and evaluate properties!
How do you prepare your home for viewings
Where can I find student accommodation Leicester?
Local student-run letting agencies are an most obvious option however certain students prefer dealing directly with landlords.
It’s a further layer of protection when you opt to use an agency as they’ll serve as a middleman between you and the landlord. This means that all the details of the Tenancy Agreement is in accordance with the law, but it could cost more.
If you’re considering opting for the landlord option you should check with your accommodation provider at the university because they might have the list of approved landlords in your area.
Things to ask during a visit the house
Here are the top questions to ask during a tour of an apartment or house:
Are there any bills included?
Do you have an Gas Certificate?
What is What is 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 made payment?
How do we get our deposit back by the end of our lease?
Have you got an inventory of your belongings? What are the appliances and furniture included?
Are there car parks or bike storage facility available?
Have you got a sample of a tenancy agreement that we could look over?
Are there any extra costs or charges for agency/advertising?
We’ll discuss the most important aspects to look out for when looking at the property or house in the following list.
What to look out for when visiting a student home
According to our experiences, there are 10 most important aspects to be on the lookout for when looking at or evaluating the purchase of a home:
Damp
The regulations on the quality of the rental sector are getting better however our latest accommodation survey found that 26% of students are suffering from severe mould and black mould.
Don’t be deceived into thinking damp only looks gross . It also is a noxious smell, which can ruin furniture and clothing and could create serious health problems (especially when you have asthma, hayfever or any other condition that can impact the way you breathe).
If you’re looking at houses take a look at the ceilings and walls, particularly in the corners, around windows as well as behind closets. Be on the lookout for wallpaper that is peeling or flaking as well as black mould spots and an unpleasant smell. they are all indicators as well.
If you are moving in and discover that the landlord isn’t able to resolve issues with damp, conduct some research on your rights since you could be legally able to take them to court.
Pest-related problems
Infestations are another major problem in the student homes. The most frequent pests are mice as well as slugs, fruit fly as well as cockroaches, pigeons, and occasionally even rats.
It’s fair to say that it’s usually because previous tenants left food and overflowing bins all over. However, in any case you shouldn’t have to pay for the filth of former tenants.
Do not be afraid to inspect kitchen cabinets as well as work surfaces, and even in the vicinity of bins. Check for droppings, traps and slug tracks.
On the upper floor, be on the lookout for pigeons nesting inside the attic. They can be very annoying like any unwanted visitor could! Watch the first episode on our show, No More Beans, to learn the ways Tom and Jess faced their own pest issues at university.
The property’s location
Everyone knows how vital the location of your home is when deciding which area to reside in (the lesser time it takes to get up and head to your classes the better you’ll be, right? ).
If a property near the university isn’t a great deal It’s essential to determine the distance to decent transportation links.
However, proximity to the university (or an option to reach uni) isn’t all you need to think about when considering areas. While you’re traveling to the screening be sure to look out for local conveniences like supermarkets, newsagents doctors, and obviously, pubs.
Safety and security
Unfortunately, the crime levels in areas with a high percentage of students are usually high. The criminals who are looking for opportunities know that students returning home drunk are more likely to open doors and windows unlocked, or forget their keys are locked at the door of their front (we’ve experienced it).
Security is something every student must consider when looking at properties. Find out if there’s a security alarm (bonus!) and ensure that the doors are secured, and that the main entrance door to the building is secured entry.
If you’re concerned about security, make sure to mention this in your lease agreement with the landlord. They’re not interested in burglaries as well, and it’s possible that they’ll gladly enhance the security of your the security of your locks as well as access points to protect your personal (and your home from burglars).
If you aren’t familiar with the area well, conduct some research to determine how secure it is. Homes that are located on roads with good lighting are usually the safest. They may be appealing certain students however they aren’t without their flaws in terms of crime. Wherever your home may be you live, read our guide to keep it safe 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 that is in multiple occupation) There must be clearly identified emergency exits.If you’re within a group of at least three students your landlord must adhere to strict HMO rules. It’s a bit frustrating that, despite being legally required the regulations are difficult to implement. They are there for your safety and peace of mind, so look for details on the internet or ask the local authority.
White goods and electric appliances
Do not be afraid to verify whether the appliances are functional and working properly. Be sure to know what’s covered in the tenancy agreement as well as inventory also (e.g. the washing machine will probably be included, however the microwave could be the property of those who are currently tenants).
If you have any concerns take the time to flag it to the landlord or letting agent and, if needed you can have a few words 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 serve the entire group. For instance, if you’re moving in with a group of six, and you have only one fridge freezer, it will not work.
Be wary of suspicious-looking sockets or loose or exposed cables as they are extremely risky and should be taken care of prior to moving into.
The water supply
If you have a group of students who use bathrooms several times a day, a lack of water pressure isn’t going to result in a happy family! While you’re looking the faucets, make sure you give them an easy turn to ensure that there’s more than a drip.
It is also possible to test the flush of your toilet to ensure that it’s functioning just as it is supposed to.
Also you should be looking for any damp spots or leaks. Damage caused by water can be extremely expensive and also dangerous These guys have learned this by doing it the difficult way!
Furniture and fittings
As previously mentioned Make sure you’re aware of what’s included in your stock and not. A luxurious leather sofa could be the most attractive feature however it could be gone when you get there.
It’s also important to note that estate agents may suggest that landlords who rent to students should furnish each tenant with a office chair and desk (if they are advertising their property for sale as being a house for students).
If you can, be sure to check your mattress for damaged springs, as they can be uncomfortable and dangerous over time.
Verify that the residence is well-insulated.
Everyone is aware that energy bills are among the largest expenses for students (if you don’t include them in the rent you pay). The fact that your house is well-insulated can mean 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 main issues are double-glazed windows, safe doors, a well-designed heating system, and the absence of drafty places.
Check to see if you can get the feeling of the walls in the house, too. If they’re cold, this is an indication that insulation isn’t up to scratch (and may eventually cause damp walls). Conducting these tests will aid in saving money on your energy bill.
There’s no harm in looking at the roofing from outside your home to determine if there are there are any missing tiles. If they are missing, it could result in leaks all through the year.
Beware of freebies and tricks
Certain landlords will offer “freebies like an enormous TV or no bills to the end of the year to entice you. Beware of these types of offers, because even though they appear to be amazing offers however, the landlord may use these extra amenities to justify renting the property for a higher rate.
However, that doesn’t mean that this will always be the case it’s just a matter of having to be savvy. A good TV is all nice and good, however, should it be adding greater than PS400 to your monthly rent You’re better off getting your own.
Contact the current tenants
Nobody is more knowledgeable of what a home is and how it feels to live there than the current tenants. They’re most likely to give an honest and objective report, since they have absolutely nothing (or gain) by telling you anything other story.
You can gain some understanding by asking the following inquiry “So What are some of the most beneficial and least favorable aspects about this home? “.
If the landlord isn’t looking watching over you it could be that they alert you to something the landlord might have overlooked or is trying to hide. If they appear to be satisfied, then that’s probably the most trustworthy testimony you can obtain.
As the tenants of this house of horrors discovered after speaking to prior tenants shortly after they moved into the property, having a chat with them before moving in could help you avoid some stress down the road.
Photograph and record videos of your viewings so that you can receive second opinions from family and friends and aid you in making choices later on.
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