If you’re beginning to think about next year’s accommodation, there are several factors that you should take into account before making decisions on where and who to live with.
Manchester Student Homes can help you find University Approved Accommodation that have been checked and meet our Code of Standards. They provide FREE information, advice and guidance on housing and also carry out contract checks.
What should you consider before looking for a property?
- How big is your group?
- What kind of accommodation are you looking for? A shared house, flat or private halls?
- Where do you want to live? City Centre, Victoria Park or areas like Fallowfield or Withington?
- What is your budget? Does it include or exclude bills?
- How far are you willing to walk, cycle or get the bus?
MSH recommend the following tips during house hunting:
1. Take your time
It is important to take your time and ensure that you have carried out the research on the type of property, the landlord/ letting agent, rental price, the contract and the housemates. Try and look at as many properties as possible to ensure that you have a clear idea on the type of properties available.
2. Consider who you will be living with
Carefully consider and select who you think that you can live with for extended periods of time. It’s best to discuss and agree housing issues such as house rules, cleaning rotas and how the bills will be split ahead of time so that everyone starts the tenancy on the same page. Make sure you get on well and that everyone is in agreement to what you’re signing up to!
3. Viewing and reviewing properties safely
Landlords and letting agents should ensure they are supporting student tenants by carrying out viewings appropriately. We would recommend that you view the property with your potential housemates to ensure that everyone is happy with the property.
It may be useful to request that the viewings are carried out via FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom video call with a resident tenant of the property if not everyone can make the appointment. This could provide the additional benefit of asking questions of the current tenants who will most likely give you an honest report on the property and the type of support the landlord provides.
4. Check your contract with MSH
The tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that is for a fixed period of time. Therefore after signing they can be extremely difficult to cancel or be released from. MSH provides a free contract checking service. This will support you with any queries and help in identifying any abnormalities that you should be aware of.
5. Is your deposit in a protection scheme?
Deposits are there to cover non-payment of rent and any damage to the property. Landlords are required by law to protect a tenant’s deposit in a government registered scheme. You should receive a letter confirming the details of where the deposit is protected and how to release the funds at the end of the tenancy.
If you have any housing queries, contact Manchester Student Homes for support and advice. You can email manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk or call them on 0161 275 7680.