Property viewing
When viewing
Cardiff student accommodation, it is essential that you view a good selection of properties before making a decision. Put a couple of days aside for the viewings and take notes so that you can compare and contrast later.
At CPS we hold all the relevant details of our Cardiff student properties online so you
can make a good comparison before viewing. Our site even
incorporates the use of Google Street View where available so that
you can have a virtual view of the property from outside beforehand.
Checklist of things tenants should remember to look for:
How clean is the property?
Whilst it’s sometimes hard to see through the mess if the current tenants aren’t living like you would chose to, it’s important to look at what matters at the property. If you are worried it isn’t going to be clean enough at the end of the tenancy make sure you get it in writing that it will be cleaned, and you can always list specific points such as re-sealing around baths and showers.
You need to ensure you feel comfortable living at the property. Have a good at the front door and windows and check you will be happy with them. It is always easier to agree upgrades to the property before you move in, and get these upgrades in writing. Remember that most crimes are opportunistic and that by ensuring your front door is locked and the windows are shut.
Try and establish which pieces of furniture belong to the existing tenants and which belong to the Landlord. If you require one or two additional items you may want to ask for these as part of the initial negotiations.
Are there enough facilities for the intended sharers e.g. number of toilets/ showers?
Turn the shower on to see if it has sufficient water pressure.
What is the external condition like? Focus on aspects that may affect the interior such as broken or loose guttering, cracked windows or missing roof tiles/ slates.
How old is the boiler?
Note down the make and model of the boiler and Google it. This will normally take you onto a plumbing forum that will reveal its age. Are there any stickers on it to indicate that there is a service contract in place? Is it a combi or a system boiler? If it fires up when you turn on the hot tap it is a combi. Combis can struggle to provide enough hot water for larger properties. You may find that your shower goes cold when someone flushes the loo.
Check on the white goods.
Is there sufficient fridge space for the number of sharers? Is there a washing machine or a dishwasher (that may be asking too much!).
Are there any external sources of noise such as a busy road, train line or pub?
If so you should think about coming back at the busiest time of day to get the full impact.
Who will be responsible for maintaining the garden?
If it is the tenant check if the Landlord supplies the tools required. Students don't tend to have their own garden tools!