House viewings can be awkward. You walk around with a polite smile, nodding at rooms you’ll probably end up sharing with three strangers, pretending you know what to look for while secretly wondering whether that weird smell in the hallway is “temporary.”
But here’s the thing, renting as a student is one of the biggest expenses you’ll make all year, and what you ask during the viewing can save you a lot of stress later. So, instead of only checking how close it is to the nearest takeaway, here are eight useful questions to ask that’ll help you figure out if the place is worth your rent.
- How much are the bills, and what do they include?
A classic, but so many people forget to ask properly.
Does the rent include water, electricity, internet, etc? Ask for average monthly costs if they’re not included.
You’ll want a clear picture before signing anything, especially with how unpredictable energy prices have become. Bonus: ask what provider the current tenants use; it can save you the hassle of switching later.
Some student houses advertise “bills included” but cap the usage. Ask what the cap is and how much you will be charged if you go over the cap - you don’t want surprise charges at the end of the tenancy.
- How’s the insulation and heating?
Sounds boring, but this one determines whether your winter feels like a cosy Netflix evening or an arctic survival test.
Ask how the property is heated (gas, electric, central) and how well it retains warmth. Older student houses, especially those with single-glazed windows, can leak heat faster than you’d think, meaning you’ll spend more on energy.
If possible, visit the house when it’s colder or ask current tenants honestly: “Does it get freezing in winter?” Their faces usually tell the truth.
- What’s the Wi-Fi situation?
You’d think every student house has great Wi-Fi, but… no.
Ask where the router is, what provider they use, and whether the signal reaches every room. Thick walls or basements can be dead zones, a nightmare if you’ve got online lectures or need to upload assignments at 2 a.m.
If the agent shrugs and says, “I think it’s fine,” check if you can talk to current tenants or at least confirm you’re allowed to install a booster.
- What’s the neighbourhood like and is it noisy?
You’ll spend a lot of your uni year in that area, so it’s worth getting a feel for it beyond what’s on Google Maps.
Ask about noise levels, nearby nightlife, and the type of residents (mostly students, families, or professionals?).
Some areas are fun but can be loud seven days a week, while others are quiet but a bit isolated. Decide what kind of vibe you want, it really affects how you’ll feel living there.
Extra question: “How far is the nearest bus stop or train station?” It sounds small, but that daily commute adds up when it’s raining and you’re carrying groceries.
- How responsive is the landlord or letting agency with repairs?
This question can reveal a lot. Ask:
“If something breaks, how quickly does it usually get fixed?”
You’ll get one of two answers: either an immediate, confident response (good sign), or an awkward pause (bad sign).
Maintenance issues like leaks, mold, or broken appliances are part of student living, what matters is whether the landlord actually does something about them.
If you can, ask the current tenants about their experience with repairs. Their answer will be more honest than the agent’s.
- Is there any mold, damp, or pest history?
Don’t be shy about this, seriously. Mold and damp can cause real health problems and are more common in student housing than you’d think.
Check behind furniture, near windows, and in bathrooms. If something smells musty, there’s probably a reason.
Ask:
“Has the property had any damp or pest issues in the past year?”
Even if they say no, pay attention to how confidently they answer. If they hesitate, look closer.
- What furniture and appliances are included?
“Fully furnished” can mean very different things depending on the landlord.
Ask for a full inventory list, does it include a desk, wardrobe, mattress, microwave, hoover, etc.? And if something breaks (say, the washing machine), who’s responsible for repairs or replacement?
Also, don’t assume every room has a desk. Some “student houses” still don’t, which makes studying a pain.
- What’s the deposit, and how is it protected?
Always confirm how much the deposit is, when it’s due, and what scheme it’ll be held in (e.g. DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS). This isn’t just legal admin, it’s your money.
A reputable landlord will register your deposit in a government-approved scheme and give you confirmation. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Ask if there’s a guarantor requirement or if they accept international students without one. It’s better to know early rather than stress later.
Final Thoughts
Asking smart questions isn’t about being picky, it’s about being informed. A viewing only lasts 10–15 minutes, but you’ll be living there for months, maybe a year. The best tenants aren’t the ones who rush, they’re the ones who ask the right questions.
