Once you’re ready to start looking at properties, DSU have created a Housing Checklist that you can use when you’re walking round properties to tick off when you see something, or asked a certain question. It might seem like a lot, but there’s lots to consider when moving into a property!

You can download this checklist here and print it out.

External features

• Does the exterior of the property appear well maintained? (Look for broken guttering, roof damage, cracked windows panes and solid front and back doors)

• Are all outside walls look in good condition?

• Are there enough bins for the property, including recycling?

• Is the garden well maintained and clear of any rubbish?

• Who is responsible for maintenance of the garden?

Internal features

• Is there enough communal living space?

• Are the bedrooms big enough for you all?

• Does the interior of the property appear well maintained?

• Is the furniture in good condition?

• Are there signs of damp or mould?

• Any signs of pests? (Check in cupboard and around exterior doors)

• Are there enough facilities, such as toilets and sinks, for the number of tenants?

• Does the property have an up to date Gas Safety Certificate you can see?

• How does the heating work? Is it a storage heater or a normal radiator?

• Is there sufficient heating throughout the property?

• Can the windows lock and keep the property secure?

Questions to ask

• Who is our point of contact if something goes wrong?

• What expenses are included, and what is extra?

• Is it possible to have the walls repainted?

• How much is the deposit and when does it have to be in?

• If there is a deposit: Where will the deposit be held? Ensure your deposit is being kept in a legal Tenancy Deposit scheme, anything other than a ‘tenancy deposit’ is not legally secure and should be questioned.

• How much are the admin fees?

• Do you need a guarantor?

• Can you see a copy of the contract you’ll have to sign?

• How much does it cost to replace a lost key?

• Can you talk to any current tenants? (Ask them about their experiences, repair times, whether they liked it)