Property Search 
Report maintenance Student accommodation – preparing to rent
The student accommodation market is very competitive, with most student properties being let within the first week of viewings. So, to secure your perfect Bristol student let, make sure you take a little time to get everything in order. The student rental market will be in full flow by December, so the sooner you start looking the wider your options should be.
Here are a few of the things you’ll want to consider:
What can you afford?
Let’s be honest, you’ll want to be working hard or having fun (hopefully a bit of both), not worrying if you can afford this month’s rent. This will probably be the first time you’ll have had to worry about household bills. So, taking a little time now to do a monthly budget on the key essentials will help you understand what you can afford in rent – leaving you to concentrate on enjoying your new student home.
Do you have a deposit?
You’ll need to be able to pay your deposit usually 5 weeks’ rent to secure the property. Make sure whomever you rent through is using a deposit protection scheme. This is a legal requirement and will keep it safe and ensure any disputes are resolved at the end of a tenancy.
Will you be sharing?
The likelihood is that you’ll be sharing a home with some friends. From small flats to larger properties with up to 10 people (HMOs), work out how many and whom you’ll share with. Make sure you discuss; what you can afford, what you’re looking for, and how the bills will be split. The last thing you want to do is fallout over money.
It’s also a good idea to have a friendly chat about expectations over food, cleanliness, and household chores. No one wants to be the nag, but whom you live with is just as important as the property.
Do you all have a Guarantor?
If you can’t pay your rent or damages, exceeding your deposit, your guarantor will need to fit the bill. If you can’t provide a UK-based guarantor there are options to pay the entire rent up front, but most are unable to do this.
How do I find a student let?
As mentioned before student lets are in high demand. So, the second you spot something don’t hesitate in booking a viewing. And make sure you and your friends are prepared to make an offer quickly, it’s likely there will be other viewings that day.
Where do you want to live?
There will be more student properties near UWE or Bristol University. If you choose to look further afield make sure you consider your travel costs to get to and from the university.
Do you want the property furnished?
Each property will be different but make sure you consider whether you are looking to have the property furnished. Student accommodation will often come with the basics (beds, sofa, wardrobes) – so consider what you might need to supply and what you might need to leave at the parents’!
Are bills included
Some properties will include one or all the house household bills. So, when looking at rent it’s worth considering if the water, internet, or energy bills are included. Fewer landlords are including gas and electricity within the rent due to the instability of energy prices.
Stay ahead of the game
You’ll find that the most desirable student lets have viewings booked up very quickly. So be sure to set up property search reminders on sites like Rightmove. Follow The Letting Game on Instagram for the first look at all our properties – We post them up to 24 hours before the property hits Rightmove.
Your university or student union sites should also have some useful resources.
Are bills included
Some properties will include one or all the house household bills. So, when looking at rent it’s worth considering if the water, internet, or energy bills are included. Fewer landlords include gas and electricity within the rent due to the instability of energy prices.
First look at student properties
You’ll find that the most desirable student lets have viewings booked up very quickly. So be sure to set up property search reminders on sites like Rightmove. Follow The Letting Game on Instagram for the first look at all our properties – We post them up to 24 hours before the property hits Rightmove.
Your university or student union sites should also have some useful resources.
Found the property
Once you’ve found a property and had an offer accepted, you (and your friends) will need to pay the deposit quickly to secure your new home. There will then be a period of referencing you/your guarantors and some paperwork to fill in. This will usually include an inventory, which is important to check as this will be used as part of the final inspection.
Good luck in finding your perfect student accommodation quickly. Hopefully, we’ll be showing you around your perfect new home soon!
