The process of choosing a student residence can seem daunting.
If this is your very first student home, it’s likely to be the first time you’ve lived away from home, possibly in a town which you’re not familiar with. It may involve living with people you’ve never met before. You may also be new to making payments, dealing with tenancy agreements or maintaining a property.
All of this could make picking the perfect home quite overwhelming!
If it’s not the first time you’ve lived in a Leicester student studio, it might represent the very first time you rent privately instead of living in halls. For those who have been renting for a while and still have a feeling that there is one too many things to think about.
It doesn’t have been difficult. Familiarising yourself with what to consider when the array of possibilities comes to you is a good starting point.
What to Do?
So what are the things to be looking at when selecting your student residence? Having the following checklist to keep in mind will give you peace of mind that you’ve covered the basics and will help you focus on the best property for you.
Location
It’s a good idea to be flexible with your where you live, particularly in cities with small populations like Norwich where everything is not too far away. This lets you have more flexibility to prioritize other aspects in your list of housing requirements.
Pick one or two factors that matter to you and your family members. Do you want to be near the place you are studying or near to your social life? Will you be walking on the road, cycling, driving or taking public transportation for travel? Do you want to be near to a market?
One of the factors that every person should include on their checklist is whether the area gives you a sense of security in particular at night.
The House
Are there central heating systems and is it present throughout the house?
Does the house have double glazing? (It helps keep costs for heating down if there is)
Does the property appear well maintained? Check for signs of damp or mould. Check the condition of the furniture and decor Also, make sure appliances and lights function.
Are bathrooms well-equipped with shower pressure, hot water, and adequate facilities for the number of tenants.
Are bedrooms of an adequate size and have enough storage space? You should be satisfied living in every bedroom. Someone in your group will be left with the least room , and it is likely to be YOU!
Do you have an energy performance Certificate (epc)? The higher the score the higher, the less expensive it will be to keep warm.
How many rooms in the communal area are there?
Do you have enough storage and cooking facilities?
Are there enough facilities to meet the number of people sharing?
Are there enough pieces of furniture? And is it fire-resistant (check labels)?
The Tenancy Agreement
It may be the first time you are required to sign what can be an enormous legal document of the kind. It can seem like gibberish, and designed to catch you. In fact, it is there to protect everyone including you.
Check your tenancy agreement. After you’ve done that, you should take the time to read it over. Many University and College housing support teams are available to go over the tenancy agreement prior to you sign it.
A few checklist items to consider when drafting a tenancy agreement
Is it a one or joint agreement on tenancy?
What’s the length of the agreement for?
Do tenants require guarantors? If so, are you able to limit their liability only to your rent?
What happens if you want to go home before the end of the fixed lease?
Safety
Have you seen your Gas Safety Certificate? (there should be one within the last 12 month)
Does the house have fire and carbon monoxide detection equipment?
Did the landlord conduct a fire risk assessment?
Have you had your gas appliances checked over the last 12 months?
When was the last time the wiring was been checked?
Are there quality locks on the doors and windows?
Are window panes and frames free of cracks?
Are there sufficient external lights and any alarms?
The Rent
How much is rent and what are the charges included?
What is the amount of the deposit for damage?
Does the landlord or agent an element or a part of Tenancy Deposit Scheme which protects both you and the amount you’ve made payment for?
Are you aware of the charges that can be imposed during the tenure?
Have you got the landlord and/or letting agent contacts in the event of an emergency?
Cleaning and repairs
Are any repairs planned prior to moving in? if so, have you written this down?
How will the house be decorated before you move in?
Does the property look clean?
If you have a garden is your responsibility for maintenance? (if so, check that tools are provided)
Talk to the Tenants in the Current Tenancy
The current tenant have a problem, it’s beneficial to learn what it’s been like to reside there, what the landlord’s character is and the pros and cons of the property. Also, learn about the average cost of bills.
Does the landlord or the letting agent knowledgeable and responsive to maintenance and repairs?
Is the property cheap and easy to heat?
What is the amount they must have to pay for bills?
Are they concerned about security concerns?
Are there any ongoing issues concerning the property?
Conclusion
This is it A handy guide to help you pick the right student residence.
