Viewing student houses in Leicester: what to look for

Many students are caught in costly rental traps. Beware of unpleasant surprises before you sign your lease with our advice and printable checklist for viewing! The odds will always be in your favor.

Based on the results of our National Student Accommodation Survey, 33% of students believe that their university home is not good value in terms of value.

Therefore, avoid the urge to buy a house and look at homes carefully. This is your chance for you to be able to make an educated choice and not pay to live in a location that you do not like.

There’s a many things to think about from deposits to damp in bus stations, it’s impossible to be too thorough – however, our suggestions below will make it simpler. There’s even an online checklist of inspections to help you evaluate and contrast properties!
How do you prepare your home for viewings

Where can you find student housing

Local student letting companies are the first step however certain students prefer dealing directly with landlords.

It’s a further layer of protection when you opt an agency, since they’ll act as a mediator between you and your landlord. The theory is that this will ensure that all the details of the Tenancy Agreement is in accordance with the rules – however, it could cost more.

If you’re considering taking the landlord route you should check with the university accommodation department because they might have an approved list of landlords in the region.

Questions to ask while viewing houses

Here are the most important questions to ask during a tour of the property or house:

Are there any bills included?
Do you have any Gas Certificate?
What is What is Energy Performance Certificate?
Do you have a discount on renting in the summer?
Which deposit schemes and deposits are there?
What date does the deposit have to be made payment?
How do we get our deposit back by the end of our lease?
Have you got an inventory of your belongings? What appliances and furniture are included?
Are there car parks or bike storage space available?
Have you got a copy of a tenancy agreement that we can look at?
Are there any extra costs or charges for agency/advertising?

We’ll cover all the essential things to look out for when looking at an apartment or house in the table below.

What to look out for when visiting student accommodation Leicester

Based on our experiences, there are 10 important things to look out for when looking at or evaluating a property:

Damp

Standards for rental housing are being improved however our latest accommodation survey found that 26% of students are affected by severe mould and black mould.

Don’t be deceived into thinking damp only looks disgusting – it stinks disgusting, and can damage furniture and clothing and could cause serious health issues (especially those who suffer from asthma, hayfever, or any other condition that can influence respiration).

If you’re looking at houses take a look at the ceilings and walls, particularly in the corners, around windows or behind cupboards. Be on the lookout for flaking wallpaper or paint as well as black mould spots and an unpleasant smell. these are all signs to look out for as well.

If you are moving in and discover that the landlord isn’t getting your damp issues, you should do some research about your rights, as you might be legally able to take them to court.
Pest-related problems

Infestations are another major problem in the student homes. The most frequent pests are mice as well as slugs, fruit fly or cockroaches, pigeons and occasionally, rats.

In reality, it’s usually because previous tenants left food waste and bins that are overflowing all over. However, in any case it’s not a good idea to pay for the filth of former tenants.

Do not be afraid to inspect the kitchen cabinets or work surfaces as well as in the vicinity of bins. Check for droppings, traps and slug tracks.

The top floor is where you should be on the lookout for pigeons nesting within the attic. We can assure you that they will be very annoying just like all unwanted visitors could! Watch the first episode on our show, No More Beans, to learn what Tom and Jess faced their own pest issues at the university.
The property’s location

It is well-known how vital place is in deciding the best place to live (the shorter it takes you to get up and head to class the better you’ll be, right? ).

If you think a home near the university isn’t a great deal It’s essential to know the distance to a decent transportation network.

However, proximity to the university (or the means to get there) isn’t the only factor to take into consideration when looking at areas. While you’re traveling to the screening make sure you look for local services such as supermarkets, newsagents, doctors, and obviously, pubs.

Safety and security

Unfortunately, the crime levels in areas with a high percentage of students are usually high. People who have a sense of opportunism know that those who are drinking at night tend to leave doors and windows unlocked, or forget their keys are locked inside the entryway to the house (we’ve experienced it).

Security is something every student must consider when looking at properties. Find out if there’s a security alarm (bonus!) and ensure whether the doors are secured, particularly the main entrance to the building has a secure entry.

If you’re concerned about security, you should mention it in your lease agreement with the landlord. They’re not interested in burglaries also, which means that they’ll gladly upgrade lock locks or access points to protect your personal (and the home from burglars).

If you aren’t familiar with the region well, you should do some research to discover how safe it is. Homes that are located on roads with good lighting are usually the safest. The quieter areas might appeal certain students however they aren’t without their flaws when it comes to criminality. Wherever your home may be you live, read our guide to keep it safe from burglars.

Be sure to ensure whether the building is equipped with emergency alarms for fire, as well as extinguishers, and fire blankets. Also, if you’re an HMO (house with multiple occupation) it must be clearly designated emergency exits.If you’re living within a group of at least three students your landlord must comply with strict HMO rules. It’s a bit frustrating that, despite being legally required the regulations are difficult to implement. They are there for your safety and peace of mind, so look for details through the internet or by contacting for your council’s advice.

White goods and appliances that are electric

Be sure to confirm whether the appliances are functional and functioning properly. Be sure to know what’s covered in the tenancy contract and inventory also (e.g. the washing machine will probably be in the tenancy agreement, while the microwave might be the property of tenant currently).

If you have any concerns take the time to flag it to the letting agent or the landlord and, if required you can have a few words added to the tenancy contract which ensures that the landlord will be aware of the issue prior to you moving into.

It’s also important to make sure there’s enough equipment to serve the entire group. For instance, if moving in with a group of six, and you have only one fridge-freezer, this won’t be a good idea.

Be aware of suspicious-looking sockets or loose or exposed cables as they are extremely hazardous and must be taken care of prior to moving into.

The water supply

If you have a group of students who use bathrooms several times a day, low water pressure isn’t going to result in a happy family! While you’re looking the faucets, give them one quick twist to ensure that there’s more than a drip.

It is also possible to examine the flush in the toilet to ensure that it’s functioning exactly as it is supposed to.

Also be on the lookout for any damp spots or leaks. Damage caused by water can be extremely expensive and also dangerous The guys who did it learned through the difficult way!

Fittings and furnishings

As previously mentioned ensure that you’re aware of what’s in the stock and not. A luxurious leather sofa could be the most attractive feature but it might be gone at the time you get there.

It’s also important to note that estate agents may suggest that landlords who rent to students must provide each tenant with a office chair and desk (if they are advertising that the house is a student residence).

If you can, be sure to check your mattress for damaged springs, as they can be uncomfortable and dangerous over time.

Make sure that the home is well-insulated.

Everyone is aware that energy bills are among the most expensive expenses for students (if you don’t include them in the rent you pay). Making sure your home is properly insulated can make the difference of PS100s in energy bills through the year.

Don’t be worried about going up to the roof to look for insulation on the roof. Your primary concern ought to be windows with double glazing and secure doors, a reliable heating system and a absence of drafty areas.

Check to see if you can get the feeling of the walls in the house, too. If they’re cold, it’s an indication that the insulation isn’t as good (and can eventually result in damp inside the walls). Doing these checks will assist you in reducing your energy bill.

It’s also not a bad idea looking at your roof’s exterior from of the home to see if there are any missing tiles. If they’re missing, this could cause leaks throughout the year.

Refrain from freebies and tricks

A few landlords offer “freebies for rent, like an enormous TV or no bill to the end of the year to lure you in. Be wary of offers, because even though they appear to be amazing offers however, the landlord may be using these extra perks to justify renting the property at a higher cost.

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s always the case it’s just a matter of having to be savvy. A good TV is all good and well, but should it be adding greater than PS400 to your monthly rent You’re better off getting your own.

Contact the current tenants

There’s no better understanding of what a home is and how it feels to live there than the current tenants. They’re most likely to give an honest and accurate perspective, as they’ve no gain (or gain) from telling you anything other story.

You can gain some understanding by asking the following inquiry “So What are some of the greatest and worst aspects about this home? “.

If the landlord isn’t on your side They could inform you of something the landlord might have overlooked or attempts to cover up. If they appear to be satisfied, then that’s probably the most reliable testimony you could obtain.

As the tenants of this schoolhouse of horrors discovered that they had a conversation with the former tenants following their move into the house, talking to them prior to moving in can save you some stress in the future.

Make sure to take photos and videos of your viewings so that you can receive second opinions from family and friends and aid you in making your decision later.