If you’re looking for private, off-campus accommodation, you should consider starting your search around November or December for the following academic year.
Private landlords and off-campus accommodation can advertise quite a bit earlier in advance of the academic year, and can be extremely competitive.
Prepare In Advance
When viewing your potential new home, it is easy to forget to ask the important things.
During a house viewing with either a private landlord or an agent, you will have their undivided attention; so, make the most of this quality time! Iron out any important issues before making a decision on whether to reserve the property.
Research the local area, and each areas amenities; weigh up the pros and cons of each area before you make a decision on where to start your search.
Get together and make a list of what your needs actually are
Examples of this could be:
- What area would be the most suitable for all members of your tenancy group.
- What your maximum monthly budget would be for rent, with no bills included. Do some research on how much you are likely to spend on other bills before making this decision. Make sure that all members of your group can equally afford the amount you settle on, and use this figure as a guide when choosing which properties to view.
- lHow many of you drive would determine how many parking spaces you may need. Not all properties will have guaranteed off road parking included, and in some areas the local authorities will limit the amounts of permits that they will issue.
How many bathrooms, toilets and shower rooms you feel that you can comfortably live with for a group of your size. Not every property will have ensuite bathrooms on offer for all rooms, which means that sharing may well be a necessity.
Some suggestions of what to ask to get you started
- Are bills included in the monthly rent?
- If not, what bills would need to be set up by you when you move in.
- Is the landlord planning to make any changes/improvements to the property before your tenancy would begin?
- If you notice any issues that you may want addressed, such as redecoration, gardening, furniture issues; now would be the right time to ask! By mentioning this at the viewing stage, it would give your agent a chance to look into it and maybe make an agreement with your landlord. Anything agreed at this stage should be mentioned on your reservation receipt and added to your contract as a special condition.
- Ask any questions that you may have regarding possible breaches of tenancy. For example, if you want to paint a room, store the landlord’s furniture securely so that you can use your own, or have a pet at the property (just a few examples) you would need to gain written permission to avoid problems later on.
- You can ask the agent whether there are any pre-existing issues that you should be aware of, and if so, what the landlord is planning to do about them for any potential new tenants.
Do not be afraid to ask. Please do drop us an email below;
