The one thing student house-hunters must do

It’s often overlooked by student property hunters

Moving out of the family home for the first time is a milestone in your personal growth and house hunting is a part of that process. Finding the right flat, within your budget, at a convenient area and with housemates that you will get along with is an arduous and frustrating procedure. Students are often taken aback by it.

Unfortunately, this naivety and inexperience is often taken advantage of by some unscrupulous owners who distance themselves from responsibilities i.e. housing repairs. Student-tenants sometimes don’t know what they’re entitled to legally in terms of duties and expectations of their landlord.

The one thing student-tenants should always do is read what they are signing and then keep a copy of their tenancy agreement.

It sounds so simple, but you would be amazed to learn that skimming over the terms and conditions has caused huge problems for students in the past. 

Reading a legally binding contract is hardly something you can get engrossed in like the Harry Potter novels or Game of Thrones series, but it is crucial that you know what you are literally signing up for.

The following are things to look out for in your tenancy agreement and ensure you understand 100%:

• The length of your tenancy agreement
• The type of tenancy; is it an individual contract or a joint tenancy agreement? 
• Rent price
• Decoration policy
• Repairs your landlord will commit to
• Deposit scheme and policy 

Understanding what you’re signing up for will protect you from hidden fees, reassures your landlord’s responsibilities and safeguards your rights. There are lots of horror stories from student-tenants who have had terrible experiences.

Knowing what to look for in your tenancy agreement and knowing what you’re agreeing to can spare you from a world of inconvenience and trouble. 

Living away from home for the first time can be an exciting and memorable time. At HYBR, we guarantee fair and honest interactions between landlords and student-tenants. Find your dream home today.   

Find Your Dream Student Home.

If you are stressed out by the upcoming rental season that is fast approaching then don't worry, the HYBR team are here to help. Get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. We can guide you through the process and ensure you don't go through it alone.