Know When Renting Student Accommodation
Lancashire student accommodation can be difficult to find and even harder to manage so it’s essential that students do their research in advance. In addition to finding a property that suits their needs, they must also ensure that the landlord understands their rights and responsibilities as tenants. It can be easy for landlords to overlook the fact that students are different from other tenants, so it’s important that they consider this in advance.
For example, students tend to spend a lot of time at home so they often don’t bother to clean as much as other tenants, leaving rooms in an untidy state. This can lead to problems down the line, including health issues and a lack of privacy. Another issue is that students often work from home, so it’s important for landlords to make sure that there are sufficient desks and chairs in each room.
It’s also a good idea for students to ask around about who else is looking for accommodation before they begin their search. This can help them to avoid over-stretching their budget and they can also use it as a way of finding out whether they will get on with their prospective flat or housemates.
Things to Know When Renting Student Accommodation
In terms of security, it’s worth checking that the property has double-glazing and secure doors, especially if it’s located in a busy or isolated area. If possible, go back to the property at night and see how safe it feels; a dark and dingy house can be a real turn off for many students. It’s also worth asking the landlord about any pest infestations, which are common in Lancashire student accommodation properties and can include slugs, mice, cockroaches, flies and ants. In most cases, these are caused by previous students, who leave food out, overflowing bins and more and can lead to an unhealthy and unpleasant living environment.
Living in student accommodation can provide networking opportunities that extend beyond your academic pursuits. Interact with fellow residents, engage in communal activities, and attend social events organized by the accommodation provider or student associations. These connections can lead to valuable friendships, collaborations, and potential professional opportunities. Build meaningful relationships with your roommates, as they may become lifelong friends or future professional contacts. Networking within your accommodation community can broaden your horizons, expose you to different perspectives, and create a supportive network that extends beyond your university years.
As a result, it’s important for students to look at the property as though they are going to live there all year round and ask the landlord to provide all necessary appliances and furniture. This may mean that they have to pay a little more than other tenants, but it can save them money in the long run. For example, many students will be able to claim back some or all of their council tax if they let the property through a housing association.
Another thing to bear in mind is that students are notorious for being bad with money, so missed rent payments can happen. However, most students have guarantors (usually parents or close family friends) and if a tenant is having financial difficulties then their guarantor can step in and cover the rent for them.
Landlords should be aware that letting to students can lead to more maintenance issues than other tenants, such as repainting and replacing carpets. They must also be prepared for void periods over the summer holidays, when students may move out or persuade their friends to rent their room while they’re away.
