When you’re viewing a property for university, it’s worth taking your time to search the property and make sure everything is at a high standard. You might feel pressure to secure a house; but it pays off to be thorough when viewing the property.
We’ve put together a list of essential questions worth asking when visiting a student property.
Safety and Security Features
- Is there a safety blanket and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen?
- Does the landlord possess an up-to-date gas safety record which has been carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer?
- Is there any fire detection equipment and do they work?
- Are there any carbon monoxide detectors and do they work?
- Does all the furniture and furnishings comply with Fire Safety regulations (1998)?
- Are there locks on the windows and do they have keys?
- Is there a burglar alarm for the property?
- Are there any signs of exposed electrical wiring such as loose wires, faulty plugs or lights?
- Are there suitable locks on the exterior doors of the property?
External Features
- Is there any slipped or broken tiles on the roof of the property?
- Are there cracks or damage to the exterior walls?
- Is there any rotten timber? (Doors, Window Frames)
- Is the guttering blocked or broken?
- Is there rusting or cracking to pipes or gutters?
- Is there mould or vegetation growing out of the gutters?
Internal Features
- Are there signs of mould or damp?
- Is there any mould around the window frames or in the bathroom?
- Is there any damage to fixtures, fittings and furnishings?
- Is the property properly insulated? (Double glazing)
- Are there locks on the bedroom doors?
- Do the kitchen appliances and white goods work properly? (Fridges, Washing Machine)
- Is there any mould around the windows?