By Nina Harris
When searching for student property, it’s easy to get caught up in the house-hunting rush so you don’t miss out on finding the best accommodation, but there are some essential checks you should be doing during your search to make sure you’re not jumping into a decision that could cause you problems further down the line.
So we’ve put together a list of 7 things you should look out for when viewing a property to help make life a little simpler…
1. Damp:
Photo: envirovent.com
The horror of many student properties. It is absolutely vital to thoroughly check for damp during your house visits. Be ready to open cupboards, check the walls and ceilings, areas around windows and even behind pieces of furniture. Also try and look for paint jobs to cover up the mould. It may not always be the responsibility of the landlord to deal with the damp problems and it will depend on the tenancy agreement. Nevertheless, make sure that if you do see a patch of mould that you raise it with the landlord and request that is is put it in the contract as an aspect that they resolve before you move in. Damp is a really serious issue and can lead to bad smells, damp clothes and it can cause health problems too.
2. Estate Agent Fees:
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It’s always worth finding out about Estate Agent Fees as these can amount to a couple of hundred pounds for things like ‘administration’, which is usually to simply take a few photocopies of contracts and personal details. You may also be required to pay inventory fees and credit reference fees, so you can see how this will begin to add up before you’ve even moved in. It’s worth asking the agency for a full list of costs upfront and you can then try and negotiate with the agent on some of these fees. It definitely pays to do your research!
3. What is Actually Included?
Photo: student-cribs.com
It may be a little difficult not to be taken in by a property kitted out with flashy appliances and furniture but when you’re visiting your student property, ensure that you ask about what is and isn’t included. More often than not students will have to fork out for their own TV’s but on visits, estate agents may not be so clear on this subject. Items like microwaves, hoovers and ironing boards are not usually included, so it’s important to check on your visit what furnishings and appliances they will provide you with.
4. The Location:
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However nice the property may be inside, remember to check the surrounding location of the property itself as you don’t want to end up in an area know for street crime and non-stop house parties. You can use websites such as checkmystreet.co.uk to find out about crime stats, average rental prices and even information such as the nearest bus stop. It is important to consider things like how far you ideally want to be from the University, town centre and train station etc, before you view houses so you can judge the house against it’s location.
5. Essential costs:
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When the estate agent or landlord shows you around the property it is useful to ask them for estimates of costs for gas, electricity and water usage so you can budget for these. When looking for your property, it’s easy to forget about bills and running costs but these are essential and need to be given some thought so you’re all set up for paying for your utilities. If this isn’t included in your rent, find out who your provider is and make a note of the meter readings on the day you move in.
6. Take Your Time:
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Although you have probably been told endlessly by your parents to ‘take your time,’ when looking for a property, it cannot be stressed enough. Take a lot of photos, ask a lot of questions and explore every nook and cranny. You will always regret taking lots of photos when it comes to summer and you are trying to work out how much will fit in your room and what furniture can fit where. Also try things like turning on taps, showers and kitchen hobs so you can raise any issues with your landlord before you move in. It is always worth double-checking the inventory too.
7. Current Tenants:
Photo: accommodationforstudents.com