Student housing has in the past received some bad press, but thankfully these days, for the majority of students there are some really great places to live while you study.
Having said that though it’s always worthwhile making sure about a property before you decide to rent it, thus avoiding any problems further down the line.
For starters it’s always a good idea to take your time and make a list of specific things you want to check for before you go for a look around. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions – both of the tenants and the landlord – and make sure that you’ve got the information you need.
When it comes to a list of things you should look for when viewing a property, we’ve put together some tips on viewing student accommodation in Leicester which should help you along.
Also remember to add in things which are important to you individually as these can differ from group to group.
List of to look for/ ask
The unpleasant bit… The first on the list of things to look for/ ask is any signs of damp – which can be quite visible on the walls. Does the house smell damp? Beware of any strategically placed air fresheners! Also, look for any signs of pest problems, such as mice, slugs, flies or even rats. You may need to dig a little deeper, but don’t be afraid to open cupboards and check for any droppings or trails. If traps have been put down, this is a good indicator that there might have been a problem, so ask about it.
Check security and safety – does the house have proper working alarm systems fitted, do the plug sockets look safe and can you see anything that looks dangerous, such as loose cables, carpet or floorboards.
Take a look at the furniture in the property – is it suitable for a group your size, eg is there enough space in the fridge and freezer.
Check the house is well insulated as this isn’t just a case of putting more jumpers on, a poorly insulated house can send your utility bills rocketing.
Speak to tenants who are currently there if you can. Gauge how happy they are there. Do they feel safe? What is the landlord like? What are the neighbours like? Is there good public transport nearby etc.
Use a hard working letting agent
Another must is to find a letting agent who will have your back. One which you know will work hard on your behalf to ensure that any maintenance or repairs is done when it should be and that the correct safety measures are adhered to.
Get in touch today about your student accommodation
At Westmanor Student Living, we take pride in offering some excellent accommodation for our students and we work hard to get things right for both tenant and landlord. Get in Touch about your student accommodation and find out more about how we can help you. You might also like to look at our new flagship property The Old Post Office