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(At Uni? See the student version of this article)
Things to look out for
Outside
What is the area like? Does it have amenities you want? Are there any potential nuisances?
It is worth making a very rudimentary check of the structure of the building i.e. have a quick look for major cracks, leaning walls etc. Gutters tend to provide a good "rough guide" to the condition of the property. Look for evidence of leaking and or plants growing in them.
Does the accommodation seem secure?
If there is a garden, find out who is responsible for its upkeep.
Inside
All rooms
Are there any signs of damp, such as flaking paint or a musty smell, or infestation, such as mouse droppings?
Are there any repairs needing done?
Is there central heating, and do all the radiators work?
Is there double glazing and roof insulation? Bills will be higher if not.
Also look out for the little things - is there a hoover, is there enough cooking utensils etc. Test power sockets and make sure plugs don't warm up in use.
Is there adequate storage space?
Kitchen
Make sure that there is plenty of work surfaces and cupboards. Also check that the fridge is big enough.
Check for washing machines and dishwashers – do they look like they are in good order?
Sitting room
Not much to say other than keep an eye out for a TV and an aerial lead if you want one. Ditto for a telephone point.
Bedrooms
Make sure the bedrooms are adequately heated and that all beds and chairs are comfortable and dry.
Beds are worth checking as you may find that previous sets of tenants have done a good job of making a repair that will fail five minutes after you move in. Also give consideration to the amount of storage space in each room and/or elsewhere in the house. Check that somebody has remembered to supply curtains or shutters.
Bathrooms/Toilets
It is worth checking that things work - a shower may look good but is it capable of producing more than a dribble. Also make sure that there are enough facilities for the size of your group, including water heaters. It is a legal requirement to ensure that there is at least one bath or shower and toilet per 5 people.
Safety
Look out for:
- 5 lever mortice locks (important for getting insurance)
- The entry door to the building – is there an intercom? Does it work?
- Window locks, particularly if you’re on the ground floor.
Is there a burglar alarm? Try to find out if the property has been broken into in the last year.
Fire: there are over 70,000 fires in people's homes each year: there should be a fire extinguisher and blanket in the kitchen. Are all landing doors fire doors? Does the boiler, wiring, plumbing etc look safe and in good condition? You will need to ensure that you have a safety blanket and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Make sure soft furnishings are labelled as fire resistant – “All furniture and furnishings in rented property should now comply with the 1989 Fire and Furniture Regulations, and must be clearly labelled to that effect.”
Make sure all electrical appliances work – should have been PAT tested (Portable Appliance Testing).
You have a legal right to the Landlord's Gas Safety Record or CORGI safety certificate, and a safety check must have been carried out within the last 12 months.
Are there carbon monoxide detectors? Yellow or brown staining around or on appliances could indicate carbon monoxide.
Bathroom light switches should either be pull chord type or outside the room.
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