The do and don'ts of student renting

House hunting :- the do’s and don'ts Searching the streets for a new home can be a difficult and frustrating time for students, especially if you haven’t done it before.

You will need a good map of the area, a diary, and a mobile phone to make appointments with landlords, agents, tenants, whoever. Don’t forget a pen and notepad to write down notes. Your own or a friends transport will make life easier too!

The do’s

Do get organised, it will be much easier in the long run!!

Do start looking early, in this hunt the early bird very definitely gets the best deal!!

Do look on websites like www.jacksonstudenthomes.co.uk or estate agents to find properties fast. Call the contact number to make appointments to view houses. Write down the time & place and the contact details in your diary straight away so you don’t forget it.

Do talk to people, texting is great for contacting mates, but arranging meetings is easier done verbally.

Do make appointments in daylight, to get a good idea of the state of the garden and local area.

Do be on time, or call the contact number if you are going to be more than a few minutes late.

Do get everybody to view the property at the same time, some people lose out on houses because they waste time viewing in ones, twos and threes.

Do treat the house and its residents with respect, please avoid loud behaviour, (people may be working)

Do keep comments to yourselves until you have left, then write them down before you forget them!

Do try to rent a house recommended or accredited by the University. They may cost a little more, but are regularly inspected, better cared for and above all generally much safer and more secure.

Do get the Lease or Tenancy agreement checked out by a solicitor, student accommodation service or even Mum & Dad, reputable Landlords or agents expect you to check stuff out before signing anything.

Do keep all paperwork including a receipt for any money you have paid out in a safe place, take copies so if one set gets lost, you still have a record.

www.jacksonstudenthomes.co.uk - a simply great way to rent

The Don’ts

Don’t be late for your appointment! Most landlords or agents are (or should be) busy people and have lots of other groups to see. If you are late, you may not be able to view the house at all!

Don’t worry too much about a little untidiness in the houses, look past this and check out things like carpets, walls, nice kitchen, clean modern bathroom etc. Large rooms look great at first but remember small is beautiful, much cheaper to heat (with energy prices escalating every year this is important) and easier to keep clean & tidy.

Don’t fiddle with or handle things in other peoples rooms - you could be accused of damage or theft!

Don’t waste time on trivial matters like who cleans what or gardening tips, what you should be looking for is a clean, warm, modern and above all SAFE home.

Don’t forget to ask the right questions-see our questions page!

Don’t expect perfection for £60 odd pounds a week! You can waste valuable time and effort finding a perfect home when good houses are being taken by your mates, further reducing your choice!

and…………….above all……….DON’T GIVE UP! The place you want is out there, guaranteed, it may take a bit of finding though!!

Questions you should ask:-

Any good landlord or agent should be able to answer the following important questions:-

How long is the Lease, is it 12 months, and what dates does it start and end?

Do we pay rent monthly or termly, and how much is the deposit please?

Is there a current gas certificate? Can you see it please?

Is there any rent free period in the summer?

Does the house have broadband?

Is the house accredited, can you see the certificate please?

Are any bills (i.e. water rates) included?

www.jacksonstudenthomes.co.uk - a simply great way to rent