Finding a suitable student accommodation may feel daunting.

If this is your first time at home, it’s likely that it will be your first time that you’ve been away from home, perhaps in a city you’re not familiar with and could include living with people whom you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting before. You may also be new to paying your bills, coping with tenancy agreements , and managing the property.

This can make making the decision to choose the best home quite overwhelming!

If it’s not the first time you’ve lived in a home for a student, it might be the first time you rent privately instead of being in halls. And for those of you who have been renting for a while but still feel there is one too many issues to consider.

It doesn’t have been difficult. Familiarising yourself with what to consider when the variety of options come to you is a good place to begin.

What to Find

What are the key things you must look at when selecting a Leicester student studio? Having the following checklist to have on hand will give you peace of mind that you’ve covered the basics and will help you focus the perfect property for you.

Location

It’s beneficial to be flexible regarding your location, especially in smaller cities like Norwich where everything is not too far away. This allows you to prioritise other factors on your wishlist of homes.

Choose one or two elements that are important to you and your housemates. Are you looking to live close to the school you attend or near to your social life? Will you be walking or cycling, driving, or using public transport to travel? Do you want to be near to a supermarket?

A key aspect of a location that everyone must include on their list is whether the neighborhood gives you a sense of security even on your own in the dark.

The House

Are there central heating systems and is it present throughout the house?
Do you have a double-glazed house? (It can help keep the cost of heating low if it is)
Does the property look well maintained? Watch out for signs of dampness or mould. Also, examine furniture and decor conditions, check appliances and lights are working.
Are bathrooms clean? Do they have shower pressure, hot water, and adequate facilities to accommodate the amount of tenants.
Are your bedrooms of a good dimensions with enough storage? It is important to ensure that you are satisfied living in every bedroom. One person in your group may end up with the smallest space, and it may be the case for you!
Is there an energy-performance Certificate (epc)? The higher the band, the more affordable it is to stay warm.
How many rooms in the communal area are there?
Do you have enough cooking and storage facilities?
There are enough amenities to accommodate the amount of people sharing?
Is there enough furniture and is it fire resistant (check labels)?

The Tenancy Agreement

It may be the first time that you are required to sign what can be an enormous legal document of this type and can seem like gibberish, and intended to get you into a trap. It is actually meant to protect everyone, even 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 are able to review your tenancy agreement before you sign it.

Some checklist points to consider when drafting a tenancy agreement

Is it a single or joint Tenancy agreement?
What’s the duration of the contract for?
Do tenants require guarantors? If so, are you able to limit their liability to your rent?
What happens if the tenant wants to quit before the end of the fixed rental period?

Safety

Have you looked at you’ve seen the Gas Safety Certificate? (there is a requirement to provide one within the last 12 month)
Does the property have functioning fire and carbon monoxide detection equipment?
Have the property owners conducted an assessment of the risk of fire?
Are gas appliances inspected in the last year?
When was the last time the wiring was checked?
Are there good locks on the windows and doors?
Frames and windows are free from cracks?
Are there enough external lights and alarms?

The Rent

How much is the rent and what are the charges included?
What is the amount of this deposit?
Are the landlord or the agent an element in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme which protects both you and the amount you’ve received?
Are you aware of the charges that can be charged during your Tenancy?
Do you have the landlord and/or letting agent contact details in case in an emergency?

Repairs and Cleanliness

Do you expect any repairs to be completed before you move in? If yes, have had this written down?
Is the property decorated prior to your move in?
Does the property look clean?
If you have a garden, are you responsible for maintaining it? (if then, ensure that you have the right tools)

Talk to the Tenants Currently in the House

In the event that current residents are about it’s worth finding out what it’s been like to reside in the property, as well as what the landlord’s style is, and the advantages and disadvantages of the property. Find out what the typical cost has been.

Is the landlord’s or letting agent knowledgeable and responsive to repairs and maintenance?
Is the property easy and cost effective to heat?
How much do they pay for their bills?
Do they have any security concern?
Are there any ongoing issues in the property?

Conclusion

We have it all this handy guide to assist you in choosing the right student residence.

The post What To Look For In A Leicester Student Studio appeared first on Norton Tug of War Businesses.