Private renting

[Louise Hacke]

I actually made a list from the thread last night as my DD is in Exeter where everyone seems to be looking for houses now
Read the contract VERY carefully including small print
1/ what happens if someone doesn’t pay who is liable
2/ Is there a student union service who looks at contracts on campus
3/ check if your parent is acting as guarantor that they are only liable for your part not whole house
4/ Are bills included and its all of the bills not a certain amount ie if you use over a certain amount of heating you end up having to pay the extra.( check small print)
5/ Can you have individual tenancy agreements ?
6/ check how many bathrooms/toilets for the house and also fridge/ freezer space
7/ Is WiFi included in bills And is it good connection
8/ are you responsible for garden up keep?
9/ Is there a living room ( not just kitchen to sit in otherwise you may not have anywhere to sit together
10/ Is there any curfew after a certain time
11/ Check windows close properly
12/ when was boiler last serviced ( proof)
13/ washing machine?
14/ is there contents insurance
15/ who does cleaning when you move out? If they want you to pay to have it professionally cleaned you need to make sure it has been cleaned prior to moving in
16/ If any of the current students are there when you visit ask if they have had any problems
17/ how long is the contract ie 40 45 48?
18/ are there locks on bedroom doors

 

[admin@]

This article gives some good hints and tips about private renting


Fifty tips from Martin Lewis money saving expert on private renting

 

[Helly]

Just wanted to add that it's worth asking the current students living there what the landlord is like. There was a issue with the WiFi at my son's house and it took three weeks to sort it out

 

[Wardy]

I actually made a list from the thread last night as my DD is in Exeter where everyone seems to be looking for houses now
Read the contract VERY carefully including small print
1/ what happens if someone doesn’t pay who is liable
2/ Is there a student union service who looks at contracts on campus
3/ check if your parent is acting as guarantor that they are only liable for your part not whole house
4/ Are bills included and its all of the bills not a certain amount ie if you use over a certain amount of heating you end up having to pay the extra.( check small print)
5/ Can you have individual tenancy agreements ?
6/ check how many bathrooms/toilets for the house and also fridge/ freezer space
7/ Is WiFi included in bills And is it good connection
8/ are you responsible for garden up keep?
9/ Is there a living room ( not just kitchen to sit in otherwise you may not have anywhere to sit together
10/ Is there any curfew after a certain time
11/ Check windows close properly
12/ when was boiler last serviced ( proof)
13/ washing machine?
14/ is there contents insurance
15/ who does cleaning when you move out? If they want you to pay to have it professionally cleaned you need to make sure it has been cleaned prior to moving in
16/ If any of the current students are there when you visit ask if they have had any problems
17/ how long is the contract ie 40 45 48?
18/ are there locks on bedroom doors

This is just what I was looking for, thanks for doing that

 

[Jacob SSW]

There are a number of things to take into consideration when renting a student property. First, it's important to think about the location of the property. This is because you'll need to be close enough to your university or college so that you can still attend classes and lectures - but not too close, as this will make it difficult for you to get back home after class. Secondly, it's important that the accommodation has all of the amenities that you need in order to live comfortably - such as a kitchen, bathroom, heating and storage space.

It's also worth considering whether or not your accommodation has internet access and what kind of TV packages are available for those living in shared properties. And finally, if you're living with other students it's important that everyone is on the same page about rent.

~Further note: It's worth considering storage options beforehand as the size of properties in some areas may not offer the adequate space you need for all of your belongings. Seven Seas Worldwide is a good company for this with depots all over the UK.

Hope this helps