15 Questions Students Should Ask Before Renting A Student House In London

Here in central London, we’re lucky enough to have 3 of the top 5 universities in the UK – Imperial College London, University College London and the London School of Economics. Of course, London is also home to numerous other academic institutions meaning that every year thousands of undergraduates, postgraduates and visiting academics are looking for a place to live.

For many students, university is the first time they have to find somewhere to live and pay the bills, not to mention cooking, cleaning, and studying!

If you’ve never rented before, you might not even know what sort of things you need to ask. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Asking the right questions early on can avoid misunderstandings down the line or help you rule out properties that don’t meet your criteria. Here are 15 questions we think you should ask:

1. Is the property well looked after?

Most reputable landlords look after their properties, but some don’t. During your viewing, look out for:

• Double glazed windows, secure doors, and no drafty spots
• Missing tiles on the roof which could cause issues later down the line
• Peeling paint on the windows, this could indicate rotting frames underneath
• An ancient boiler that hasn’t been serviced in years, broken boilers are one of the most common complaints

A well-insulated building with a well-maintained boiler could make all the difference to your wallet and your comfort.

2. What furniture and appliances are included?

Make sure you understand what is included in your rental property before you sign the tenancy agreement. The flat-screen TV and double bed in every room might belong to the previous tenants, so don’t assume that everything you see on the viewing will be there when you move in.

Most rental flats and houses will have an oven and washing machine, but it is worth double-checking. Consider whether other appliances such as a dishwasher, tumble dryer or microwave are important to you. If they are, check whether they are included. If not, would you be able to split the cost and is there space to install one?

3. How is the property heated?

Find out how the property is heated. Most properties will either have a gas or electric heating system. When calculating your overall costings, bear in mind that electric heating can cost significantly more to run. Aside from rent, heating and other energy bills are usually the biggest cost you’ll incur as a student.

Although you’ll probably be viewing properties in the warmer summer months, consider whether the heating will be sufficient to keep the place warm.

4. What is security like?

Are there deadlocks on the external doors and window locks on the ground floors? Is the outside area well lit? Are the shared areas of any apartment buildings secure? Some properties may even have a burglar alarm. If you’re not convinced the property is secure, would you really be happy living there?

5. Is the WIFI any good?

Fast broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the property is a must. During the viewing, check your phone for data or signal blackspots. Find out who the broadband provider and visit their website to check their download and upload speeds. Seek assurances from the landlord that the internet signal is strong across the entire property.

6. Is there outside space & what is it like?

It is nice to have some outside space to enjoy during your tenancy. If you are renting a city-centre flat, you may find this is just a balcony. If you are lucky enough to find a place with a yard or garden, check whether you will be responsible for the upkeep, such as looking after any plants or mowing the lawn.

7. Are there working smoke detectors?

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties are now a legal requirement for landlords. Ensure that these are visible and in working order. Equally, you should request to see a gas safety certificate which should be updated every 12 months.

8. Is the property in a good location?

Judge how long the journey will be to your University campus for seminars and lectures. You should also include any transport costs in your overall budget. Think about the amenities you will use most regularly and find how long it takes to get there. For instance, is the property within walking distance of student bars and pubs? Is there a supermarket nearby? What about outdoor spaces?

As a student, you will probably rely on public transport to get around, so make sure you find out what public transport options are available near the property. Consider whether you will need parking for yourselves or guests, and if so, what are the options?

9. Will we be happy living here?

Whilst you are ultimately at university to gain a degree, your student years should be an enjoyable experience. You’ll spend a lot of time studying, cooking, sleeping and socialising in your student house, so it’s essential to secure a property where you think you’ll be happy.

You should check that there are enough facilities for you and your housemates. This isn’t just about the number of bedrooms. Think about the number of bathrooms, the size of the fridge and freezer, and the living area space.

Think about whether you will feel safe in the property. Are there good quality locks on the doors and windows? Is there a back alleyway that would make the property an easy target for thieves? You could also ask whether there has been any break-in attempts recently – although you may not receive an honest answer!

10. How does the rent compare?

Before you begin your property search, it is a good idea to have a rough budget in mind. Bear in mind that most student tenancy agreements are for 12 months, so you’ll need to pay rent over the summer even if you’re not there.

There are many different options for student accommodation, from purpose-built blocks to renting a house through a private landlord. As you view properties, consider what your money is getting you between the different providers. Some might be of better value than others in terms of bills, transport costs and location.

11. How much is the deposit, and where will my deposit be held?

Find out early on how much the deposit will be so that you can begin saving. You should also ensure that your cash is going to be safe. You can give yourself peace of mind by checking that your landlord is on your university’s approved list and by making sure the landlord uses one of the government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes. When you move in, you should receive a ‘Prescribed Information’ form from your landlord with details of where your deposit is held.

12. Are bills included?

This could make the difference between somewhere being affordable or not, so make sure you know what bills, if any, are included within your tenancy agreement. If bills aren’t included, try to get an idea how much they will be, you may have the opportunity to ask the current tenants. The main things you’ll need to pay for are:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Broadband
• TV licence

Students are exempt from council tax so you shouldn’t need to pay this during your tenancy.

13. What is the length of the contract?

Student lets almost always involve an assured shorthold tenancy agreement for a fixed term of 12 months, but it is worth double-checking this with your landlord before signing.

14. Have I sorted contents insurance?

You might think insurance is unnecessary, but add up the cost of your smartphone, laptop and games console, plus any other valuables such as watches or jewellery, and now imagine having to replace them all if they got stolen. Research shows that the average student’s possessions are worth around £4,000.

The landlord’s insurance will cover damage to the building and any contents they own but won’t protect your personal property, so if you’re worried about your possessions, take out an individual policy for your peace of mind.

Some students believe that they are covered by their parents’ home insurance, which may be the case, but there isn’t one rule for everyone, so don’t assume you’re covered if you haven’t checked the policy.

More help and information

We’ve helped lots of students find good quality accommodation over the years, so our team can offer expert advice on coping with renting for the first time. From finding your perfect flat to making sure the tenancy agreement makes sense, we want to help all our tenants feel happy and secure in their home.

We’d love to hear from you if you’re moving to London and looking for somewhere to rent. Please take a look at our current selection of places to let and get in touch if you’d like more information.