General Advice:
Property Viewing - A Check List
If you consider this check list when viewing properties you will
have a reasonable survey of the property you are considering to
rent. [Printable version of this
list.]
general
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Does the property have a supply of gas or electricity? |
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What form of heating does it have and will it be adequate in
the winter? |
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Does the heating system work properly, is it serviced
regularly? |
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What type of cooker is supplied gas/electric, does it work,
does the oven thermostat work? |
plumbing
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Turn on taps to ensure they work |
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Flush the loo, does it leak? |
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Do the sinks drain easily? |
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How is the hot water heated? Consider costs |
security
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Is the house secure? |
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Is there a burglar alarm? |
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Do all ground floor windows have locks and any other windows
that lead onto a flat roof? |
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Are external door locks adequate? |
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Are external doors solid, if not is the glass toughened? |
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Is there a viewing panel next to the front door or a spy
hole? |
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Have your own personal property post coded as well as
insured |
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Are there adequate window dressings for ground floor windows
to keep computers out of sight? |
furniture
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Does the property have adequate furniture for the number of
occupants? |
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Are there enough kitchen cupboards and food preparation
areas for number of occupants? |
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Is all the furniture in good condition? |
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Is all the furniture fire retardant? |
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Ask the current tenants what furniture/appliances belong to
them and which come with the house |
services
Will the landlord attend to the following, if so will you have to pay extra:
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window cleaning |
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gardening |
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grass cutting |
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rubbish removal |
money
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What is included in your rent? |
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What is the deposit for and how much is it? |
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Get receipts for all monies handed over |
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Who pays water charges? |
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How much will it cost you to heat and light the property? |
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Compare costs with other properties |
agreements
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Do you understand what your contract means? If not take a
copy to the Student Advice Centre to read for you |
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Are you jointly liable for the rent with other tenants? |
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Are you required to find a Guarantor for the rent? |
outside the property
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Does the roof look sound, are there any missing roof tiles?
(ask current tenants if they’ve had any leaks) |
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Are the gutters clear of plant life? |
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Are the drains running freely or overflowing/blocked? |
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Does any of the woodwork look rotten or unsafe? |
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Are any windows broken/cracked? |
[Printable version of this list.]
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