Viewing Student Accommodation

Once you have found a few properties that you like, make a shortlist of your favourites with your prospective flat or house mates and organise to view each of the properties.

Trying to decide which property you want to rent for the forthcoming academic year shouldn’t really be left to looking at photographs on a website. Ideally, you really should visit each property which you have shortlisted and with the landlord organise a possible viewing time.

So you have booked a property viewing of a potential student flatshare, what now? There are certain things which you should look out for and check with the landlord to ensure a smooth life when you move in.

This checklist is also available for download in PDF format: Student Accommodation Viewing Checklist

Arriving at the property

• Is the street well lit?
• Does the street the house is on look safe?
• Are there any signs of anti-social behaviour down the street? i.e. graffiti, broken windows?
• Does the house look safe and secure from the street?

Inside the property

• Does the front door open and close properly?
• Are the windows single glazing?
• Are the landing, corridors and stairs well maintained?
• Are there any broadband facilities in place?

Lounge

• Is the lounge big enough for everyone that is planning to move in?
• Will the furniture that is currently in the room be there when you move in?
• Is there digital television already installed?

Kitchen

• Is the kitchen big enough for everyone that is planning to move in?
• Will the appliances that are currently in the kitchen be there when you move in?
• Are the appliances in working order?
• Is there enough storage space for everyone that is planning to move in?

Bedrooms

• Are they all a similar size? Will this be reflected in the rent?
• Do they all have working locks on the doors?
• Are there TV aerial points?
• Are there telephone aerial points?
• Are the rooms adequately heated?

Bathrooms

• Is there a downstairs toilet?
• Do the bathroom (s) and toilet (s) look well maintained?
• Is there suitable ventilation in the bathroom to avoid condensation?

Heating and Hot Water

• What type of heating does the property have?
• What type of hot water system does the property have?
• Are there instructions on how to use the system?

Outside (Rear)

• Does the back door open, close and lock properly?
• Who is responsible of maintaining the back garden?

Deposits, Rent, Tenancy Agreements...

• Is there a security deposit? If so, how much?
• What deposit must be paid?
• When must this be paid?
• How much is the rent (per week / per month)?
• Does this include all bills?
• Are there any energy usage limits? If so, what are they?

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