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Students should try to get accommodation sorted out as early as possible
before the new term commences. The good properties can go very quickly and
some landlords may be inclined to put prices up rather than down as term
draws near, especially if there a large number of as yet un-housed students.
Here is some advice if you are thinking of renting a furnished property:
• The standard of furnishing will vary across the properties that you view.
Student houses will generally be kitted out with well worn furniture and
items that can't even remember when they last saw better days, it was so
long ago. Then again, many rental properties are finished to such a high
standard, you resent having people round for fear of disturbing the
immaculate pristine new ambience.
• Find out what's included. A furnished property may be completely decked
out with TV, video, hi-fi, beds, bedding, curtains, carpets, wardrobes,
washing machine and every other conceivable home comfort. Then again, since
the industry is unregulated you will always get the odd landlord who
attempts to take the Mickey and provide a furnished flat that comes with
little more than a bathtub, a carpet and a bed. Be warned.
• If there are certain things provided that you do not need as you already
have your own ones, such as a bed, make sure that you get your landlord or
agent to agree in writing to remove the unwanted item.
• Check if the furnishings are fire regulated. They should be, and any
lettings agent is required by law to make sure they are checked, but they
can sometimes be lax over this issue.
• Bear in mind that appliances will not be tested for you. It may look like
you have a microwave, but if you move in only to find that it doesn't work,
then you only have yourself to blame for not checking it when you viewed the
property.
• Finally, if you are a student and get carried away in a drunken fit of
wildness, leading to you breaking up some furniture and burning it in the
garden (as someone we know once did a few years ago), expect to lose your
deposit
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