live-uni.com - Check List

Address:

Contact Name:

Tel No.

Website:

Email:

Mobile No.

• Check crime levels and general levels of deprivation on neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk (put the post-code into 'Neighbourhood Summary').
• Check location for ease of access to University, shops and nightlife.
• Public Transport.
• Check cost of rent monthly - it is common practice to quote weekly i.e. (52 x weekly amount divided by 12 = monthly cost) seems obvious but when £45 per week is quoted a lot of people assume it is £180 per month actually its £195
• Is the accommodation accredited with the local authority - if so the landlord will have a certificate.
• Current Gas Certificate.
• Electric Certificate showing the property checks are up to date.
• Smoke Alarms.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm.
• Check that lockable doors have a thumb turn on the inside (so that no key is needed to exit in an emergency and tenants cannot be trapped inside).

What is included in the rent (this is normally indicated on the initial advertising which may state exclusive or inclusive of bills - double check to see what this actually means) Full students are normally exempt from council tax if all persons in the house are full time students (if one if one is not the house becomes liable to council tax):

• Water.
• Gas.
• Electric.
• Broadband.
• Telephone line rental.
• TV Licence
• Digital TV Package (i.e. Sky)
• Insurance for personal possession (for further information see 'insurance' page on live-uni.com)

Enquire what procedures are in place in the event of problems occurring in the property (even the best maintained properties will have problems occasionally). Specifically ask in the event of an emergency what are the call out procedures during out of office times (say 2am in the morning water is pouring in through the roof) - some landlords provide 'emergency cover insurance', the tenants are then given a policy number and emergency telephone number to contact. What is the policy with non-emergency repairs - time between the report being made by the tenant and the work being undertaken.

If you view the property whilst the previous tenants are still there see if you can ask them discreet questions about the property and the landlord or agent.

Make notes on the front and back of this form - if you view several properties you may forget specific points for each property.

If this property is on your short list try to visit the area at different times of day and night. Never be panicked into making a snap decision - walk away and think about it - there is always another property around the corner (a good landlord will not put you under pressure the right property for a tenant is the best tenant for the property).

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