The process of choosing a Leicester student studio can be a daunting task.
If this is your first time at residence, it’s likely to be the first time you’ve been away from home, maybe in a city that you’re not familiar with and could include living with people who you’ve never met before. It could also be your first time to the process of paying your bills, dealing with tenancy agreements , and managing the property.
All of this could make selecting the perfect home quite overwhelming!
If it’s not your first home as a student, it could represent the very first time that you rent privately instead of being in halls. For those who have rented before but still feel there are too many issues to consider.
It doesn’t need become difficult. Knowing what to look for when a variety of options come to you is a good starting point.
What to Find
What are the essentials you need to look for when choosing your student housing? The following checklist on be able to use will provide you with peace of mind that you’ve covered everything and will help you focus the right property for you.
Location
It is beneficial to be flexible with your the location, particularly in small cities like Norwich where there is nothing too distant. This allows you to prioritize other aspects in your list of housing requirements.
Select one or two locations aspects that are important for you and your householdmates. Are you looking to live close to the school you attend or close to your social activities? Are you planning on walking or cycling, driving, or taking public transportation to travel? Do you need to be close to a grocery store?
One of the factors that every person should consider putting on their list is whether the location is safe for you especially on your own in the dark.
The House
Are there central heating systems and is it present throughout the house?
Are the windows in your home double-glazed? (It can help keep the heating bills down if it is)
Does the house appear to be well maintained? Check for indications of damp or mould, inspect the condition of furniture and decor Check appliances and lighting are working.
Are the bathrooms equipped with good shower pressure, running hot water, and sufficient facilities to accommodate the amount of tenants.
Are your bedrooms of a good size and have enough storage space? Be sure that you’d be content living in each bedroom. Somebody in your group could be the one to have the smallest space, and it might be yours!
Do you have an energy performance certification (epc)? The higher the score the higher, the less expensive it is to stay warm.
How many rooms for communal use are there?
Are there enough storage and cooking facilities?
Do you have enough space to accommodate the amount of people sharing?
Are there enough pieces of furniture? And is it fire-resistant (check the labels)?
The Tenancy Agreement
It could mark the very first time that you must sign what can be an enormous legal document of this type and can appear like a jargon-filled document, designed to catch you. Actually, it’s designed to safeguard everyone, including you.
Be sure to read your Tenancy agreement. If you’ve read it, go back and go back and read it. A lot of University and College housing support teams provide free assistance to review the tenancy agreement prior to you sign it.
A few checklist items to consider when drafting a tenancy agreement
Is it a one or joint Tenancy agreement?
What is the term of the agreement for?
Do tenants require guarantors? If yes, could you limit their liability to your rent?
What happens if you decide to move out before the expiration of the fixed lease?
Safety
Have you read your Gas Safety Certificate? (there is a requirement to provide one in the last 12 months)
Does the property have functioning carbon monoxide and fire detection equipment?
Did the landlord conduct an assessment of fire risk?
Have you had your gas appliances checked within the last year?
When was the last time that wiring was examined?
Are there locks that are good on the windows and doors?
Window frames and window panes free of cracks?
Are there enough external lights and alarms?
The Rent
What is the cost of rent and do the bills count?
What is the amount of the deposit for damage?
Does the landlord or agent an element in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme which protects you and the cash you’ve received?
Are you aware of all the fees that could be imposed during the tenure?
Do you have the landlord’s and/or letting agent’s contact information in case in an emergency?
Cleaning and repairs
Are any repairs planned prior to your move-in date? If so, have you written this down?
The property will be decorated prior to your move into it?
Does the property look clean?
If you have a garden is your responsibility for the maintenance? (if you are, make sure whether tools are available)
Talk to the Tenants Currently in the House
In the event that current residents aren’t happy, it’s important to know the experience of those who reside there, what the landlord’s personality is and the advantages and disadvantages of the house. Find out the average cost of bills.
Are the landlord or agent responsive and professional to maintenance and repairs?
Does the house have the ability to be simple and affordable to heat?
What amount do they have to have to pay for bills?
Do they have security issues?
Do you have any issues that remain regarding the property?
Conclusion
Here’s the deal an excellent guide to help you select the right student residence.
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