1. Location, location, location!
When looking for the perfect student house, this should be one of your primary considerations. Even if you may have thought at the time, “Oh the walking will do me good” or “I won’t mind commuting,” will you still feel that way on a Monday morning when you’ve got a 9am lecture? Ensure the residence has convenient access to the university and that getting there won’t cost or take too long. Look around the neighbourhood too. Are there local convenience stores? Will you feel secure making the early-morning journey home? Is there a lot of crime around?
2. Look out for signs of damp & mould
These two factors come together when there is a lot of humidity indoors and therefore could harm your clothing, footwear, furnishings, and even your health. Mould is one of your deadliest enemies if you suffer from asthma or allergies.
How can you tell whether a rental property has a moisture problem? Check the interior walls and ceilings, especially those near windows, behind large furniture items, and in the restroom. Look out for paint flaking, black mould stains, or musty odours.
3. Hidden pest infestations
In all honesty, stinking rubbish bins or leftover food are the main causes of bug infestations. Make absolutely sure you “leave” no such difficulty behind, as you shouldn’t be the one to “inherit” it from past tenants.
Look beneath appliances and furniture around the bins in the kitchen, and inside cupboards.
Be on the lookout for pest indicators including rodent traps, excretions, and red and brown patches on mattresses.
4. Safety and Security
Do the windows lock properly? Are the front and back doors properly sealed and ensure security? Are the fire and smoke alarms functional? Always check to see if everything is functioning because even things that seem to be in excellent operating order sometimes have problems.
5. House Insulation
The cost of power increases with worse home insulation. And if the utilities aren’t included in the rent, that’s terrible news for you. You can save your yearly energy costs by hundreds of pounds when the building has adequate insulation.
Examine the accommodation for:
- No-gap doors and windows;
- An efficient heating system;
- Window with double glazing;
- Insulated roof.
Don’t forget to touch the walls inside the building. When they’re cold, the low quality insulation may subsequently result in dampness and mould. Be sure to also check the EPC rating of the property which should be on the original listing.
6. Household Furniture
You must be aware of what is still in the house and usable preparatory to viewing. If the sofa in the rental home looks comfortable, you might rent it just to move in and discover it is gone. annoying, huh?
Most student landlords now provide a desk and chair within the accommodation, but this isn’t a requirement, so be sure to check whether this will come with the property or whether you would need to purchase your own. Consider submitting a request for one if there are none.
7. Discuss with the current tenants
Speaking to the source is the best method to gain knowledge. Typically, they will give you the facts since they have no motive to hide anything. Ask the residents politely about the advantages and disadvantages of the student residence.
As you wander around the property, you will also get a feel for the general condition of the property. You’ll be able to gauge if the home has been properly maintained from the landlord. If a house needs a lot of repairs done, it will suggest that it is unreliable.
Goodluck with the house hunting! If you are looking for student accommodation, check our listings or get in touch!