Many students get caught in expensive rental traps. Beware of unpleasant surprises before you sign the lease by following our suggestions and printable checklist of your viewing! Let the odds always be in your favor.
Based on the results of our National Student Accommodation Survey, three-quarters of students think that their university home is not good value in terms of value.
So, stay clear of the urge to buy a house and look at homes carefully. This is your chance to take a shrewd choice and not pay to live in a location you don’t like.
There’s a many things to think about from damp to deposits and bus stop locations, you cannot be too thorough – however, our suggestions below will make it simpler. There’s even an easy-to-print checklist of viewings to help you assess 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 some students prefer to work directly with landlords.
It’s a further security layer when opting an agency, since they’ll act as a mediator between you and your landlord. The theory is that this means that all the details of the lease agreement is carried out according to the law, but costs could be more expensive.
If you’re considering taking the landlord route you should check with your accommodation provider at the university for an approved list of landlords in your area.
Things to ask during a visit the house
Here are the top questions to ask while viewing the property or house:
Are there any bills included?
Do you have an Gas Certificate?
What is what is the Energy Performance Certificate?
Do you have a discount on 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 appliances and furniture are included?
Is there a parking space for cars or bike storage facility available?
Are you able to provide a sample of a tenancy agreement that we could look over?
Are there any extra costs or charges for agency/advertising?
We’ll discuss all the essential things 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 important things to look out for when looking at or evaluating an investment property:
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 fall for the illusion that damp only looks gross . It also 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 condition that can impact the way you breathe).
If you are looking at a home take a look at the ceilings and walls, particularly in the corners, around windows or behind cupboards. Be on the lookout for wallpaper that is peeling or flaking or black mouldy patches, as well as an unpleasant smell. these are all signs to look out for as well.
If you are moving in and discover that your landlord isn’t getting your damp issues, you should do some research about your rights since you could be in a position to take them to court.
Pest-related problems
Infestations are a major issue for students living in homes. The most frequent pests are mice as well as slugs, fruit fly or cockroaches, pigeons and occasionally, rats.
In reality, this can be due to former tenants leaving food waste and bins that are overflowing all over. However, in any case it’s not a good idea to pay for the filth of former tenants.
Be sure to look over kitchen cabinets or work surfaces as well as in the vicinity of bins. Find traps, droppings and slug tracks.
On the upper floor, watch out for pigeons settling inside the attic. We can assure you that they will become very irritating just like all unwanted visitors are! Watch the first episode on our show, No More Beans, to learn what Tom and Jess tackled their own issues with pests at the university.
The property’s location
Everyone knows how vital place is in deciding the best place to live (the shorter it takes to get up and head to class the better isn’t it? ).
If a property near the university isn’t a great deal it’s crucial to know how close the property is 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 places. While you’re traveling to the movie 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. People who have a sense of opportunism know that those returning home drunk are more likely to open the doors and windows open or forget their keys are locked at the entryway to the house (we’ve had to be there).
Security is something every student must consider when looking at a home. Find out if there’s a security alarm (bonus!) and make sure whether the doors are secured, and that the main entrance door to the building has a secure entry.
If you’re concerned about security, you should mention it in your lease agreement with the 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 to protect your home (and your home from burglars).
If you aren’t familiar with the region well, you should do some investigation to determine how secure it is. houses that are situated on main roads that are well lit are typically the most secure. They may be appealing certain students however they do have their pitfalls when it comes to criminality. However, wherever your home is you live, read our guide to protect your home from burglars.
Make sure you check that the student accommodation Leicester is fitted with emergency alarms for fire, as well as 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 living in a house with at least three students your landlord must adhere to strict HMO rules. Although they’re legally required they can be difficult to apply. They’re there for your security and security, so make sure to check for details through the internet or by contacting for your council’s advice.
White goods and electric appliances
Be sure to confirm whether your appliances are in good condition and functioning 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 notice anything that isn’t right be sure to report it to the letting agent or the landlord and, if required add a few lines added to your tenancy agreement to ensure that the landlord is able to take care of them prior to moving into.
It’s also important to ensure there’s enough equipment to accommodate the entire group. For instance, if you’re moving in with a group of six, and you have only one fridge freezer, it won’t be a good idea.
Be wary of suspect-looking plug 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 the bathroom multiple times per day, low water pressure doesn’t result in a happy family! While you’re looking the faucets, make sure you give them one quick twist to ensure that there’s more than a drip.
It is also possible to test the flush of your toilet to make sure that it’s operating exactly as it is supposed to.
Also be on the lookout 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!
Fittings and furnishings
As stated above Make sure you are aware of what’s in the list and which items are not. A beautiful leather sofa may be the most attractive feature but it might be gone at the time you get there.
It’s also important to note that estate agents may suggest that landlords who rent to students should furnish every tenant with a office chair and desk (if they market 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 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). Making sure your home is properly insulated can make the difference of PS100s in energy bills through the year.
Do not be concerned about going up to the roof to look for insulation on the roof. Your main issues are double-glazed windows and secure doors, a well-designed heating system and a absence of drafty places.
Check to see if you can get an idea of the walls within the home, too – If they’re cold, it’s an indication that insulation isn’t up to scratch (and can eventually result in damp walls). Conducting these tests will assist you in reducing your energy costs.
It’s also not a bad idea inspecting your roof’s exterior from 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.
Refrain from freebies and tricks
A few landlords offer “freebies for rent, like huge TVs 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 it is possible that the landlord will use these extra amenities to justify renting the property at a higher cost.
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 it’s better off purchasing your own.
Contact the current tenants
There’s no better understanding of what a home is and how it feels to live there than the current tenants. They’re more likely to provide an honest and accurate report, since they have absolutely nothing (or gain) from telling you anything other story.
You can get a good understanding by asking the following inquiry “So you want to know what the greatest and worst aspects about this home? “.
If the landlord isn’t watching over you it could be that they inform you of something that the landlord may have missed or is trying to hide. If they appear to be content, that’s the most trustworthy testimony you can receive.
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 prior to moving in can save you some stress down the road.
Photograph and record videos while watching to obtain second opinions from your family or friends and assist you in making your decision later.
