Top tips to get ahead in the student rental market

When you're moving out for the first time as a student, you need to make sure you're ready for the hardnosed world of lettings. Here are some Top Tips from online letting agent, UPAD, to help you find your next rental.

Related topics:  Landlords
Warren Lewis
19th September 2016
student house

1. Choose wisely

The property and the price are important when you're looking for your next student digs; but you also need to consider the agent or landlord that will be managing your tenancy.

- Do your research and make sure a private landlord is the owner: you can very cheaply search the land registry to confirm this.

- If you're using an agency, ensure you look through their website and are clear on the set-up and renewal fees- particularly any charges for changing a tenant mid tenancy.

- It's important that an agent is regulated by ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), which is a professional body for letting agencies, as it ensures client money protection meaning your deposit won't disappear because of a rogue letting agent.

- As of October 2014, all agencies must belong to one of three redress schemes which provide a free independent service for resolving disputes between agents and tenants.

- Ask where your deposit will be held as it's a legal requirement for an agent to protect a deposit with one of three approved deposit schemes.

2. Get ahead of the game

When you've found your ideal home, make sure you stay ahead of the competition and secure it;

- Be quick. Don't delay in letting the landlord or agent know that you'd like to move in. In busy rental markets, a property can go within hours so make sure it's to you.

- Make sure you, and your friends, are prepared by having documentation available. Landlords are required to take copies of your ID and, if applicable, your right to stay in the UK and it may give you the edge if you have this ready.

- Offer a holding deposit to secure the property. Usually this will equate to 1 week of the rent and is used as an advance payment of the security deposit (not an extra payment)

3. Haggle your heart out

The price you've seen online is only an offer, so feel free to haggle the rent down;

- Research the current market by looking at comparable properties on Rightmove and Zoopla. If the place you love has a smaller kitchen than a similar property down the road- use this as a bargaining tool.

- Check what other places are being rented for by searching on the lettings portals. This will give you a good indication of how expensive the property is in relation to others.

- If your university or nearest transport link is that little bit further from the property than others, point it out to negotiate the rent down.

4. First impressions count

Make a lasting impression on the landlord to ensure they pick you over other tenants.

-Tell them you like their property! And be specific, if you show them you really want it they'll be safe in the knowledge that you'll enjoy your time there and look after the property.

- Again, make sure you have your documentation prepared and funds in your account so the landlord isn't waiting around.
 
-Offer a guarantor. As a student, you most likely have never rented before and you won't have a full time employment history. The majority of landlords will ask for a guarantor to cover the tenancy in lieu of this: so ask a family member beforehand and let the landlord know it's already covered.

5. Be savvy

Don't just go for the first rental property that you look at: research price, quality, transport links and local amenities to make sure you make an informed decision.

6. When problems arise

Don't panic; follow these top tips for reporting problems during the tenancy;

- Report quickly. As soon as something happens (mould growth, broken shower, washing machine leak… the list could go on) make sure you report to your agent or landlord right away. They have a duty of repair and will want to get things sorted quickly for you. Follow up verbal conversations in writing (email is fine) in case the problem escalates.

- If an agent doesn't comply with a repair obligation or subsequent complaints you can go to the redress scheme they belong to, to escalate further.

- Be aware that if you damage something in the property through negligence or misuse- it could be you footing the bill.

7. Reign it in

You're a student; you're living away from home with all your friends, enjoying your freedom. Just be careful not to upset the neighbours…

- If you're going to have a party, make sure you keep the noise down after 11pm. If a neighbour makes a complaint about noise after this time, you could be getting a visit from your local council.

- Take it seriously if a neighbour complains directly to you, you could be in breach of your tenancy agreement if you repeatedly cause a nuisance to neighbours.

- Deal with the consequences- if you've made a mess of the house then get your marigolds on.

Do's

Do your research and get the best deal possible
Look into who you're going to be renting from
Make sure you're prepared
Look after your new home

Don'ts

Don't take the first place you see
Don't hand your money over without careful consideration
Don't throw wild parties (who are we kidding?)

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