It’s happened: all the university-run accommodation has been taken, and you need to rent a flat from a private landlord. Although you won’t be living anywhere palatial on a student budget, having somewhere decent to live makes a huge difference to your study habits, so it’s important to get right.
I’ve heard (and experienced) horror stories from no running water for a month (the tenants were washing their hair in a wok filled with bottled water) to agents staging armed robberies of their own offices in order to flee with deposits. Hopefully it won’t get that bad, but there are certainly some things you should keep in mind when looking for a property.
Look for mould
Lots of rented digs have a mould problem. Not all of them, but enough that it’s an issue. Mould can make you feel ill over a long period of time, as well as eating clothes and books (my Lord of the Rings set was never the same again). When you take a look at the property, look for tell-tale signs such as a patch that has been recently painted over (a useless quick-fix), and if possible, look behind furniture and so on. Remember that when the house is filled with the current tenants’ stuff it’s a lot harder to see where the problems are.
Check out the landlord/agent
Your university may well have a blacklist that tells you which properties have been massively complained about. Ask your friends if they know any good agents/landlords, consult the internet, and make sure the fees (e.g. deposit, reservation fee, etc.) are fair.
Ask what comes with the house
That bed you see there? Belongs to the current tenant. No sleep for you.
What are the bills like?
If the tenants are there, ask how much a month they tend to pay for gas, electricity, water, and internet. The energy rating of the property might also be useful, as well as noting if there is double glazing.
Location
Is the supermarket within walking distance, or will you have to live off Co-op for a year? And how easy is it to get to uni/college? Thinking smaller than that, try to avoid places that will be loud at night, such as flats above or opposite clubs. It might save you a few taxi rides home, but one night you will want to study and there will be drunk people singing Katy Perry through your single-glazed window.
Ask the current tenants
Chances are, when you look at a house there will still be students in there. Ask them if the landlord is good, and if they’ve had any problems with mould, appliances etc. The current tenants have no obligation whatsoever to ‘sell’ the house to you, so if there’s something wrong, chances are they’ll be more than happy to complain about it.
Checklist
Is there any sign of mould?
What furniture and appliances does the house come with? (Remember to check for a washing machine as well. Launderettes are EXPENSIVE.)
How much are the bills likely to be?
What’s the nearest supermarket/train station/bus stop?
Will it be quiet enough for you to study?
As well as following the advice above when house-hunting, just make sure you have common sense too, and you’ll be fine!
What advice do you have for students renting at university? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Centre for Alternative Technology / Flickr
Would-be YA author, avid reader, employee of many places and part-time student. Looking to break into any career that doesn’t involve an office cubicle.
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