If you’re a student seeking a home off campus, contemplating moving from halls can feel like a daunting prospect.
While there is a wide range of housing options available for students from studio apartments to rooms in a shared household, being prepared when you view them is important. To get you ready for visiting available properties aimed at students, in this blog we’re providing a useful list of questions you might consider asking.
Questions about the student property
Use your viewing to find out as much as you can about the property itself. Consider your safety first and ask what kinds of security features it has. For example, does it have strong new locks on doors and windows and does CCTV watch over the property? Ask if the student accommodation meets fire safety standards and has working smoke detectors, as well as ensure it has a gas safety certificate.
Comfort is also a key consideration, so question whether the flat or room has heating and, with living costs in mind, whether the property has a high energy efficiency rating. Ask the viewing representative if the property is well maintained – if something broken or incurs damage, will it be replaced? Having an outdoor area can let you get fresh air and study in the sunlight, so check if the property has an outside space.
Questions about bills and deposits in student accommodation
As a student, it’s essential to find accommodation that matches your budget. Ask if bills are included in the monthly rent and, if so, which ones. Common inclusions are water, gas and electricity, but quality rental agencies also provide properties with Wi-Fi and TV licences included too.
Ask questions about the tenancy agreement and ask if you can see a sample of it. Ask the agent about the deposit and when it must be paid by. At the end of the tenancy agreement ask when you will receive your deposit back. At Bed Student Rentals, many of the lets on our books for students include bills and no deposits are necessary. Bill-inclusive accommodation can make budgeting easier and avoids large outgoings out of the blue that you might struggle to pay. While accommodation without a deposit can also make life less complicated, you’ll need a guarantor like a parent or guardian to vouch for you financially.
Further question about a student tenancy to consider
If the property has piqued your interest, you can move on to more detailed questions. Try and get a clearer picture of what it might be like to live in the flat or house and whether it will meet your individual needs. For instance, if you ride a bicycle or drive a car, ask if there is a place to park off road or secure bike storage available. To study, surf the net, stream shows and play games you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Ask what Wi-Fi speeds and signal strength are like at the property.
It’s worth remembering that some estate agents will dress properties to rent them, so try and find out what will still be present when you move in. What appliance and furniture are included in the price of rent? Having to purchase a washing machine (or visit the laundromat) and television involves additional expense so it’s best to find out to accurately calculate affordability. You can also ask them for an inventory list so you can see everything you’ll have and what you might need to purchase.
Who you live next door to, can have a significant impact on your experience of living at an address. As a result, it is worth asking your viewing representative what the neighbour are like. If you are concerned about people living close by being noisy at anti-social hours, it’s sometimes worth visiting a potential neighbourhood at different times of the day to get the full picture.
Are you looking for student accommodation in Chester?
Now you’re ready with the questions you want to ask, it’s time to create shortlist of flats, studios or rooms in house shares to visit, and we can help. At Bed Student Rentals, we are recognised as Chester’s leading independent property agent providing student lets.
We work with property owners around Chester in places like Hoole, the Garden Quarter, the Upper and Lower Canal Basin and even the centre, to source high-quality accommodation options for students and young professionals. To find your new home from home in Chester, contact our helpful team today.
Looking for the answer to more of your questions? We’ve answered a few important ones in our FAQ section.
Written By
Kate