Looking at a student house tonight... tips ?

[Stu]

As title really folks, me and a couple of mates are heading down the road to checkout a few houses in a couple of hours.

Is there any particular questions we should be asking, things to watch out for, tips to get the price down etc ?

Thanks for any advice

[5lab]

its unlikely you'll blag prices down..

check for damp, any dripping, any sign of leaks. you want a back garden (if any) thats paved, not grass, cos that'll just get overdone with weeds. check how far it is from a pub and a shop. check for parking if important. check rooms are ~ equal size (if you dont want arguments) and check the living room is big enough to have a bunch of lads round for a film.. check you can have partys n stuff - neighbours are most important for this - you dont want a family living next door.

[tiggerai]

check that there is everything in the kitchen that you might need, and what the arrangements on bills are...

i made the mistake of allowing someone else to vet the house for me, and it was horrible, tiny and crap, i had a really crap year because of it... if you really don't like the house, don't sign the contract.

[iMc]

if you see something you like... make a decision quick. I mean like that day. That moment if possible. Decent student places get snapped up quick. We got screwed on a 2 or 3 places we said we liked but didnt make a decision there and then even though they said they would contact us within a week or less.

[FarmerJon]

main thing is not to have pressure put on u by the letting agent. they say all kind of crap to get u to sign there & then...beware of the "well there were others in here earlier & they want to sign, but if you come sign now i'll let you have it"...its all crap. Make sure that all rooms are even, that the house keeps warm & that its well insulated (saves BIG TIME cash on gas & electric bills). Also be on the look out for any deals where tv licence/other bills are included, can really save money in the long run

[Stu]

Ta for the comments... the house turned out to be abit of a dive. Seeing another one today though :)

[DavidM]

* Check you have good locks and ideally an alarm system.
* Check out the area with anyone who lives nearby...watch out for the equivilent of Longsite (Manchester) or other hotspots of trouble
* Test the walls for damp - a quick feel of them while looking around and if they either feel wet or very cold - is a good indication
* Find out if you can fit seperate locks on the door. You may be able to trust your mates, but they may have friends who may not be trustworthy.
* Get insurance asap!


Good luck.

[Byatt]

gas safety certificate.

[ekundo]

try asking the current residents about the hosue and what the landlord is like. i'm doing the same at the mo, saw a couple o reasonable houses but the current tenants said to not live there cos of the landlord.

[DavidM]

Good couple of extra points...

[Kumagoro]

Go for gas heating over electric.... electric heating is so much more expensive than
gas you wont believe it. non carpet rooms feel much colder.

[5lab]

also, i personally recon its worth paying an extra few quid and using a reputable agency - this means getting your deposit back at the end of your time will be easier..

i wouldnt personally worry about an alarm - you'll probably not use it as students..

dont get anything unless you're happy - you've started the search early which means you'll probably have the pick of hte bunch - look at a few to see whats out there before signing up.

[Twigman]

you are the customer.
you are paying.
Therefore ask as many stupid questions as you like. Take notes, photos if you like. Take your time. Book another appointment if necesary.