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From viewing to check-out, hands-on guide to renting in Leeds

Don’t think that renting a property in Leeds is too difficult, just because you’re not doing it properly, you could get yourself into a lot of trouble in the future. Here are some leeds student accommodation tips on how to get the property you want in Leeds, from viewing to checking out.

 

Things to note when viewing a property

 

Double glazing

 

Double glazing is a good way to keep warm in the winter when the temperature outside is low in the UK, and it provides better sound insulation.

 

Heating

 

Gas or electricity: the ‘prepaid card’ option is more expensive.

 

Interior furnishings

 

Try to find a house with basic furnishings, otherwise it will be more expensive to buy new furniture yourself and you will need to get rid of it when you move.

 

Appliances in the kitchen

 

The average house kitchen is provided with appliances such as a cooker, oven, fridge, microwave and some even provide an electric kettle and toaster. Smoke exhaust fans in UK kitchens are generally designed for less greasy western food, so be sure to close the smoke trap door when frying, otherwise the sensitive fire alarm system is likely to attract a fire-fighter, which would be embarrassing and could result in a fine in serious cases.

 

Washing machines

 

If you don’t have one, you will need to go to the outside laundry room.

 

Bathroom facilities

 

If there are 4, 5 or even more people living together, it would be more convenient to have two bathrooms in the house.

 

Whether the landlord is reliable and trustworthy

 

Generally if the school provides a list of properties with landlords who have been with the school for a long time, they will be relatively reliable.

 

Housing environment

 

Is the neighbourhood safe, is there a supermarket or convenience store near the house, is it easy to get to, is it close to the school, etc.

 

Cost issues

 

Security deposit

 

The deposit is usually 1-2 months’ rent, to be paid before renting but whether it is fully refundable at the time of surrender.

 

Electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet, TV licence etc.

 

Most houses do not include these fees, so it is important to find out from your landlord how to pay these fees, what the starting date is, how to share the fees with your co-tenant and how to keep the house clean.

 

Council Tax

 

If all the tenants are students, they are exempt from paying council tax.

 

Summer Price

 

Discounts may be available during the summer months.

 

Signing an agreement

 

Once you have decided to move in, you will need to sign an agreement with your landlord or agent and pay a deposit. Under UK law, a tenancy agreement must be for at least six months. Within six months, the landlord must be given one month’s notice if the tenancy is withdrawn. The agreement should include: the date the tenancy starts; the price of the rent; the date the tenancy expires; whether the tenant’s tenancy is fixed; the date the rent will be reviewed; the frequency of payments (weekly, monthly or yearly); the relevant furniture and services the landlord can provide, such as appliance repairs; and the period of notice required if either party wishes to terminate the contract early.

 

UK law requires the landlord to provide an agreement containing the above information within 28 days or the landlord will face a fine.

 

Moving out of a property

 

When moving out of a rented property, remove personal belongings and rubbish, clean the property as required by the landlord (generally required to be in a hygienic condition ready for re-letting), return the student accommodation Leeds to the condition it was in when you viewed it, pay any utilities etc. due to ensure the return of the deposit and avoid deductions for cleaning costs.

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