Preparing Your Student House Viewing Checklist

Before you step foot in a property, you need your finances and group sorted. The student housing market moves fast. If you view a house unprepared, another group will secure it while you scramble for paperwork. Landlords prefer organised groups who can pay the deposit immediately.

Know your budget. The maximum maintenance loan often falls short of rent costs, especially in London and the South East. Discuss maximum monthly budgets with your future housemates before booking viewings. Factor in the cost of energy bills, broadband, and water if the rent does not include them.

The Exterior Property House Viewing Checklist

The outside of the house tells you exactly how well the landlord maintains the property. A neglected exterior usually means neglected interiors. Look closely at the roof, gutters, and security features before you even knock on the front door. Thieves frequently target student areas because houses contain multiple laptops and consoles.

Pay attention to the street lighting and the route you will walk home after late library sessions. A cheap house in a poorly lit, isolated area will cost you more in taxi fares over the year.

Damp and Heating Shared House Viewing Checklist

Damp is the most common and destructive issue in student housing. The Renters’ Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law force landlords to address damp and mould within strict timeframes, but prevention is better than living through disruptive repairs. Landlords often paint over mould before viewings. Look for fresh paint patches on exterior-facing walls or ceilings.

Heating a poorly insulated house will drain your student loan. Ask to see the boiler and check its age. Older boilers break down frequently during winter.

Bedroom and Living Room HMO House Viewing Checklist

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must meet specific space and safety standards. Every bedroom must have enough space for a bed, wardrobe, and desk. Do not accept a room that feels like a cupboard just to secure a house. You will spend most of your time studying and sleeping in this room.

Test the practical elements you will rely on daily. Landlords often provide cheap, uncomfortable mattresses and unstable desks. Check the furniture quality before you agree to rent.

Kitchen and Bathroom University House Viewing Checklist

You will share these spaces heavily. Poor water pressure and broken appliances cause daily friction among housemates. Test absolutely everything. Turn on the taps, flush the toilets, and open the fridge. Letting agents will try to hurry you out of the bathroom, but take your time.

Essential Questions for Your Renting House Viewing Checklist

Do not rely solely on the letting agent’s sales pitch. If the current tenants are home, ask them directly about their experience. They have no incentive to lie to you. Agents want to secure their commission and will often downplay maintenance issues.

Read up on your rights in our student housing section so you know when an agent is bluffing. Use our rent affordability calculator to ensure the quoted rent leaves you enough money for food and bills.

Next Steps After Completing Your House Viewing Checklist

Once you find a house that passes the checklist, move quickly but carefully. Do not hand over cash without seeing a draft contract. Scammers often post fake listings and demand deposits before viewings.

Under the Tenant Fees Act, landlords cannot charge viewing fees, referencing fees, or inventory fees. They can only charge a holding deposit capped at one week of rent. Your main tenancy deposit is legally capped at five weeks of rent. Read our student money guide to understand how to budget for these upfront costs.