Looking for a Student House?
Make sure you “pic” the right Property!

The National Union of Students claims that 16% of UK Students live in houses with vermin infestations. Remember that when you rent accommodation in the private sector, your Landlord will be legally responsible for your health and safety in your student house and will be responsible for carrying out repairs to the structure of the Property.

Try to avoid being in that 16% by using tips in The Legal Lounge Property Inspection Checklist (PIC) below to help you “pic” the right Property.

PROPERTY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Check the outside:

Is the Property’s exterior in a good state of repair? Y N
Are the gutters & drainpipes cracked or broken or full of debris? Y N

Check the inside:

You should check the state of repair and decoration throughout the interior of the Property:
Where?
Look for: Peeling wallpaper ________ Y N
Damp Patches ________ Y N
Flaking Paintwork ________ Y N
Mould on the walls ________ Y N

Is the Inside of the Property clean?

The Legal Lounge Tip
Ask the Landlord to confirm IN WRITING that any necessary repairs, redecoration and cleaning will be done BEFORE you move in.

Heating

Does the Property have adequate heating in every room? Y N

Safety Checks

You should check that the Property meets all the necessary standards for fire, gas, electrical and furnishings safety:

Gas
Is the gas safety certificate still valid? Y N
Is the gas boiler flame blue? Y N
There should not be a yellow flame nor any sooty stains on the boiler.

Electricity

Have the electrical wiring, fuses and earths been checked in the last 5 years?
Y N

Look for: Blackened or Burnt sockets _______ Y N
Bare or Frayed wires _______ Y N
Sparks when switches are pressed _______ Y N

The Legal Lounge Tip
If you have any doubts ask to see an Electrical Safety Certificate.

Fire

Are there any smoke alarms? Y N
Is there a fire extinguisher or fire blanket? Y N
Are there adequate means of escape in case of emergency? Y N
Do the furniture and soft furnishings have fire retardant labels showing that they comply with safety regulations? Y N

This is an extract from The Legal Lounge Property Inspection Checklist. You can order a full version from The Legal Lounge at thelegallounge.com
The full version of the Property Inspection Checklist includes tips on security, what contents should be included in your letting, what services should be provided by your Landlord and essential tips on negotiating your letting agreement.

The Legal Lounge, www.thelegallounge.com.

© The Legal Lounge 2002 and Accommodation for Students Ltd.