English
中文
Despite students generally earning a reputation as a happy-go-lucky lot, the fear of being homeless is enough to get anyone to create a plan and take action to avoid the rush for living spaces that will support you as you study, not distract you from it.
Majority of students would have already found their preferred accommodations and signed up for it last December. For those who are looking for last-minute places to stay, you will have the disadvantage of choosing from fewer properties and making costly mistakes just to get the worry of finding a decent place out of your mind. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid this:
- Examine deals and freebies carefully. Agents who are inclined to sort out the contract quickly often resort to offering these, if the usual flatteries and compliments do not seem to be working. The thing is that if these items have most likely been factored in the rent amount. If you feel like you can still do better, check other places that might be a better fit for you as the freebies will still be there should you decide to go back.
- Think about your priorities. Each house, flat and university hall has its own positives and drawbacks. What are the amenities or features that you absolutely need to have in the room or house you will live in, and which ones are you willing to compromise if it means you can save more? Stick to the list of what you are looking for as much as possible.
- Read the contract. The giddy feeling of finally finding a place you like will most likely cause you to sign the tenancy agreement after just a brief chat with the landlord or agent without reading its specifications. Do not make this mistake as it could prove costly later. Amongst the most important things you should remember are the names on the contract, specified dates of tenancy and amount due for rent with specifications of what are included in the price quoted.
- Sort the deposit. Make sure you are giving your money to someone who is registered with any of the three recognised protection schemes: Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and Tenancy Deposit Scheme so you can be assured that you either get it back or receive compensation should the landlord fail to give it.
- Ask a lot of questions. For agreements which already includes the bills, ask if there are any usage policies or limits, whether the house or room is already furnished, the date rent is due, the administration fees, and whether you will pay a moving out fee. If something suddenly breaks down or you do not find the living conditions conducive for study (noisy neighbours, poor maintenance, etc) who do you complain to and do you incur the costs of repair, if needed?
- Take photographs. When you move in, you want to be sure that you are protected against disputes, should any arise or if you want to move out and the landlord or agency suddenly finds reasons not to give back your deposit because of “damage” you had done to the property.
