Top Tips for Student Rentals
Start looking early.
You will find a house throughout the year, even in June, but the earlier you start the more choice you have and the better chance of finding the right house for your group. Students seem to start looking earlier each
year. Many are keen to secure a house before they go home at Christmas so they can return in January without the weight of house hunting hanging over them in the run up to exams. If you haven't managed to secure a house by Christmas then January is the time to really get moving, it's also when the universities'
housing lists come out.
Take your time viewing properties
Looking around rental properties can be a bit of a whistlestop tour but if you find somewhere you like don't just give it a ten minute once over. Check everything
carefully. Does it have central heating, a washing machine, dishwasher, decent fridge and freezer? What are the showers like? Are the windows in good
condition? These can all be forgotten in the heat of the moment. Make a checklist to take with you when viewing properties you really like.
Choose flatmates carefully.
If you are looking at renting with others, choose who you live with carefully. A recent poll by Gumtree.com showed chef Jamie Oliver is the person people would most like to live with, whilst troubled popstar Pete Doherty was the least popular. It's unlikely many people will end up with a celebrity flatmate, good or bad, but little things could make the difference
between harmony and torment. Money is easily the most common cause of dispute. Make sure you work out your budget and how bills will be paid.
Communicate with your future housemates. Talk about what you want out of the
house-sharing experience. Think about how much rent you want to pay, how many people you want to share a house with, do you want to share with a couple? What
if they break up? How often do you want to party? Will you all house hunt together or will a few of you go ahead first? etc.
Tell your agent or landlord if there are problems.
Landlords are not psychic. You may know that the washing machine has stopped working and grumble about it, but unless someone
tells them they don’t know work needs doing. Don't be shy in reporting any difficulties, having it fixed at no cost to you is one of the privileges of being a tenant. A good landlord will also appreciate knowing if something needs doing –
after all, it’s their investment you live in.
Over Winter
Over the winter period, ensure you have emergency procedures in place and that your landlord provides a telephone number to call if anything goes wrong. Know where the water and gas
stop taps are in the property as well as the electricity mains switch, so any burst pipes, boiler breakdowns or leaks can be fixed with minimal hassle for both you and your landlord.
You may be about to head off on your skiing
holiday, but, before you do, let your landlord know that you will be away, and consider leaving the heating on low, to avoid burst pipes.
Energy Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) became a legal requirement for all new lets in October 2008. Ensure your landlord shows you how energy efficient their property is, by requesting to see copies of these certificates. This will also
ensure you minimise your utility bills. You could even consider properties where the landlord includes utility bill payments within the rent – again, check how competitive the offering is. And, make a note of the meter readings for gas,
electric and water as you move into the property.
- Other issues to consider are, parking, neighbours, noise levels, public transport availability etc.
- Usually, you will not have to deal with the landlord directly. Should you have any problems or queries, direct them to your agent first.
When you make an appointment be sure to attend as arranged. If for any reason you have to
alter or cancel an appointment always let the landlord/agent know. Never call at a property unannounced, this can disturb existing student tenants.
Check out the agent/landlord.
Always speak to the current tenants if they are there when you view. Ask them
about the house, the area and, importantly, the agent or landlord. The nicest
student house can be ruined by an agent who doesn't fix the central heating for
weeks. CPS Homes have been operating in the student sector in Cardiff since 2000
and know the requirements of students well. Most 2nd and 3rd years who have experience of renting will be looking to rent directly
or from a letting agency with a good reputation. Make sure that the landlord is experienced, professional and local.
Check out the area.
Take a walk around the area the house is in. Go in some shops, have a drink in the local pub. Is it close to the things you need most, bus routes, supermarket etc? Is it in the heart of student life, or in a more
suburban residential area? Decide what's important to you.
Check out the house.
Has it got central heating? Is it in good condition? Does it have good security? Does it have current gas and electrical safety certificates and an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) - these are all required by law? Is the
furniture fire resistant? A good landlord or agent will always be happy to tell you.