If it’s your first time looking at student houses, you might be overwhelmed with choices. Even if you’ve rented before, it’s easy to get swept up in the details and forget the important questions.
You’re letting agent will be eager to show you all the positive aspects of the house, but it’s important to be aware of the drawbacks before you make a final decision. Here are the most important questions to ask when you’re at a house viewing.
Ask your letting agent questions, and if you get the chance, ask the tenants questions, too.
House Viewing Questions to ask:
Do you have an inventory list?
If you’re viewing a property, most likely someone is living there currently. That means that some items and appliances — things like toasters, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners – might belong to the current tenants and don’t come with the house. If these things are not included, it’s good to know, since those items will incur additional costs to buy for yourself.
Are bills included?
It’s important to know if bills are included in the rent you’re paying. If they’re not, ask how much they are. These are the key pieces of information you’ll need when budgeting. At your house viewing, ask if there are agency fees, as well. There’s nothing worse than having to pay more than you expected.
What is the deposit scheme?
It’s a good idea to establish how much you’ll be paying for a deposit. Usually, this will be one month’s rent. Once you’ve established the amount, inquire as to what conditions apply and how you’ll get the deposit returned to you at the end of the year.
Has there been any work/renovations on the house?
Student houses can be rife with issues like dampness and mould, as well as faulty appliances. At your house viewing, ask if the landlord or agency has had any work done in the house recently. A landlord who makes an effort to keep the house in the best possible condition is always a good sign.
How’s the WiFi signal?
This is a great question to ask if you get a chance to speak with the current tenants. For students, a strong WiFi signal is imperative to do your work, so you wouldn’t want to end up in a house where the signal is spotty. Ask if they’ve run into any issues with their broadband and if so, if they’ve been able to fix them with items such as extenders.
See also: How To Start Arranging Your Second Year House As A Fresher