Finishing University and don’t want to move back in with your parents? Never left and just want to move out into your own space? A house share is the perfect, most affordable option for a independent home whilst you find your feet and get your finances in order. However, it can also come with a few problems if you don’t do you research beforehand.
A few things to consider when you go for your viewing:
Contract Details
Most house shares have a minimum tenancy length but never a maximum. If you’re only wanting a tenancy of 6 months rather than 12, don’t be afraid to ask. If you are unsure how long you will be staying in the property start with the minimum, then ask what your options will be if you wish to stay for longer once the time arrives.
Also, ask whether you will need a deposit or a guarantor. If you don’t have anyone you would feel comfortable asking to be your guarantor but cannot raise the funds for the full deposit, then you could always use a Rent Guarantor company such as RentGuarantor.com.
Housemates
Whilst you are viewing the property ask how many rooms are also in the house, as well as how many are currently being rented. You can also then ask the general age, gender and occupation within the household. If you’ve just finished your University experience the last think you want is to move in with a bunch of first years. Some house shares will for example only be let to ‘professionals’ to avoid this situation, so it won’t be an unexpected question to a letting agent/landlord.
The letting agent/landlord won’t be able to give you any personal details due to GDPR rules. However, they can definitely tell you demographic details (age, gender, nationality etc.) of the people you will be living with.
Communal Area Rules
Next to tackle, the rules of the communal areas. Is there a noise curfew? A rule for how often you can have people stay? Assigned space in the kitchen for each tenant? Available parking spaces? A fortnightly cleaner? A designated maintenance team to report issues to?
These are all things you need to consider to be fully informed of the environment you will be moving into and any letting agent/landlord should be happy to answer them and more importantly have all the answers.
The Room Itself
When you view the room you will be staying in, this is the most important time to be picky and ask questions, as this will be the area of the house you are solely responsible for. If it is furnished confirm whether there will be an inventory before you sign the tenancy agreement, so you aware of what is owned by the landlord and will be yours to use throughout the tenancy.
Don’t be afraid to take a close look at the walls and flooring for any outstanding maintenance jobs that are needed such as a repaint or any signs of damp. This is important as once you take responsibility for the room you may be required to pay for these damages when you leave.
Letting Agent/Landlord Reputation
Lastly, do your research into the Letting Agent/Landlord you are considering signing a tenancy with. There are many of review sites you can use to get an idea of how they look after their tenants and properties when a problem arises.
Follow these steps and you should be able to live a happy life in your new home and in harmony with your housemates.
