It’s not just sports socials that can eat through your maintenance loan. Check out how we let you in on the cheeky dealings of dodgy estate agents.
The feeling of finding a great house is amazing, the future looks like its going to belong to you and your pals in your new fort. However, finding the perfect place is not without its difficulties and the world of student letting can sometimes be a little bit of a shark tank. But never fret, Unpacked are here to help you avoid turning into estate agent fish food.
Perhaps you’ve just left your first year accommodation or you simply want to spend your student life in a cosy house without the worry of vomit in the hall ways or your entire block coming for pre drinks, whatever the case there are some things worth looking out for when renting.
When taking a look at new houses and flat, try and get a quick Q and A session with some of the residence there at the time. Ask how they are getting on and dealing with their landlords or letting agents, and if there are any issues with the house. This may seem an obvious piece of advice, but current tenants are some of your most reliable sources of information when looking for your perfect student abode.
Letting agents know that students are a little wet behind the ears when it comes to finding a new pad, this means that the more unscrupulous ones may exploit this and turn you and your student castle into a cash cow. One way to avoid being at the mercy of sneaky house lenders is to ensure that you are given an inventory by your landlord or letting agent. Go through the list of items before signing the agreement and even have a look through with your agent just as you’re moving in. This allows you to make a list of all the items in your house and to make sure that utensils and appliances are working, and if not, ensure you won’t be the ones out of pocket for the repairs.
If your letting agent does not supply an inventory this could lead to issues when moving out in the future, so ensure that you have covered your back. If an inventory is not provided, perhaps think about withholding your deposit until one surfaces.
Make sure one of your housemates takes pictures of any mildew, breaks or any other nasty moving in day surprises. This could, once again, be a money saver if your landlord conveniently ‘just noticed’ a stain on your sofa or a broken door frame just as you’re about to get your deposit back.
Today it is quick and easy to check out whether a letting company or landlord is reputable by checking them up on student social media pages and review websites. Doing some research before dealing with a company is a great way to get to know who you’re doing business with. Taking the time to investigate the owners or agents of your living space takes very little time and can point you in the direction of a future decent student digs.
It may also be a good idea to get some advice from your parents or even the student union before signing your lease. Someone with some past experience in renting a house could spot any tricky fine print that could cost you a bundle later on down the road. Ask mum and Dad to take a quick peak of your contract, just for a second opinion.
Though it can be difficult to find the perfect place AND the perfect landlord, we believe that it is definitely something that can be achieved by following our advice. Avoiding dodgy estate agents and sketch landlords is something you won’t regret, and before the ink is even dry you’ll be settling into your new place ready to smash another academic year,