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So you have now found your chosen housemates and you have all decided on the best area to live in. You have all put together a shortlist and now it’s time to go and find the best student properties that rental money can buy. But remember the best houses will be in high demand as everyone will be looking for that perfect home at the same time. So make sure you are prepared. Here is a list of handy tips on getting that sought after des-res!
Top tips on viewing student rental properties
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Take your housemates with youTrekking all the way across town to see a property can be a bit time consuming, but don’t be tempted to just send one person. Obviously that one person has to report back to the others and then has organise a second viewing. In that time some other students would have snapped it up. Go as a group and if you like it, take it there and then.
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Don’t be put off by the queueStudent houses in popular areas may have a queue of people waiting to view the property. It’s easy to think “everyone wants this house, therefore I MUST have it!” and then you maybe tempted to lay down the deposit and taking it – before even seeing it. Don’t rush in without seeing it first. You could end up without enough rooms and the furniture and fittings could be on it’s last legs!
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Ask the right questionsPut together a list of questions that you want to ask the landlord or agent. Is there a washing machine? How long is the lease? How do we pay for the gas or electricity? These maybe boring questions but don’t get caught out by not asking them. For example you may end up moving into a student house that is run on ‘ pay as you go’ gas and electricity meters…..which will cost you a fortune to run. The landlord will also appreciate a group of well prepared, clear thinking adults living in his house anyway.
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Check out the upkeepDon’t be put off if the house is untidy, full of beer bottles and littered with smelly ashtrays. Try and look beyond that. The house should hopefully be cleaned thoroughly before you move in anyway. But if there is some damaged furniture or the doors are hanging off the hinges, chances are the landlord isn’t very good at the upkeep and doing repairs in the property. Also if there is some damage in any part of the house or to the furniture when you move in, make a list or inventory of it and contact the landlord immediately. You don’t want any unreported damage costs coming out of your deposit.
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Talk to the current tenantsThe best tip is to talk to the current tenants. They will be able to let you know of any positive and any negatives. Ask them about how good the landlord is at dealing with any repairs or house issues. Ask about the winter months and how much the bills tend to be. And don’t forget to ask about the neighbours. The house may be perfect but if you have ‘student haters’ on either side of the house that will no doubt have an effect on your social lives.
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Location, Location, Location!You could find a beautiful brand new property but it could be miles away from college and your friends. Think seriously before taking it. You may think that the 90 minute travel time will give you ample time to study, but you will think differently when you have to leave the pub early at 9.30pm to make that long journey home. There is also the wet winter months when it will take you even longer to get home. Also living in London, the cost of travel before 9.30am is very expensive and will add up if you have numerous buses and tubes to get.
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Be prepared to negotiateIf you like the house but the price is too hight, try and negotiate with the agent or landlord. There maybe some flexibility on the price. Also ask if the lease can be reduced to 10 months instead of the normal 12. Terms may only last 9 to 10 months and you don’t want to be lumbered with paying rent for an empty house after your course has finished.
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The living roomIf there are four of you looking for a house and find a great three bedroom property, ask the landlord if you can use the living room as a bedroom. The rent may be cheaper than a four bedroom house and you will make a saving…though hopefully you will have a nice kitchen to gather in!
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The early birdDon’t leave your house hunting until the last minute, especially if you are looking in a popular area. Try looking a month before everyone else and you might find a gem
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Do not panic!Don’t feel pressured and don’t panic. Don’t feel you have to accept the first house you see. There is always plenty of student accommodation out there and new properties get added to list all the time!