CONGRATULATIONS, BUT ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEW CHALLENGE?

Students from all over the Country will be thinking about where they will live whilst at college/university. Most towns and cities will have an extensive bank of accommodation available via letting agents, but there will also be a huge difference in the quality on offer. Seek out the letting agencies that have offices and are professional, who can offer quality houses. We have all heard of the standard at which some ‘student’ properties can be offered.

You may of course be lucky enough to go into halls of residence for the first year, but do not become complacent about seeking your second year accommodation. February/March is the optimum time to commence your search and good agencies will have their lists available at that time. It is very much a first come, first served basis with the larger properties being snapped up early.

At Personal Homefinders we offer good quality property that can accommodate between two and five persons. All of our properties have legislative safety documents regarding gas and electricity within, along a ‘safety pack’, which is supplied including a fire blanket and instructions on electrical appliances used.

When you have selected your accommodation, an administration fee will need to be paid, along with a deposit, which will be the equivalent of six weeks rent. To protect this deposit, an inventory will be supplied when contracts are signed. This lists the state and condition of the property chosen, and this will be used to check the property out upon expiry of the lease.

Key points to help ensure trouble free and enjoyable tenancies are:

1) Keep the house clean at all times – untidy is acceptable, unclean is not. Set up a rota so that everyone can take a pride in their surroundings.

2) Open your curtains during the day, keep the property looking tidy from the outside.

3) Remember to ventilate the property in order to avoid condensation problems, windows should be opened regularly.

4) Do not iron your clothes on the carpet! Another classic sample of costs set against deposits.

5) Do report any faults with the property such as leaks, machines not working properly, leaky guttering – these matters will be resolved and paid for by the Landlord thereby ensuring a comfortable tenancy.

6) When having a party – inform your immediate neighbours and only admit those people who have been invited.

7) Ensure that noise levels are kept acceptable to your neighbours and do not let gatherings go on too late at night.

8) When you finally vacate, have a cleaning delegation – most deductions from deposit are made because of poor cleaning standards.

Finally, your educational years should be trouble and stress free. Choose the right agency, the right accommodation, ensure that your keep your rent paid in advance and up to date at all times and respect your surroundings.

www.personal-homefinders.com