General Condition & Suitability

Size!

Is the house adequate for the number of people expected to live in it.

HEATING!

Is it suitable for the size of the house. In good working order. Is it going to be expensive to use.  Is it safe?  Have, you seen a corgi certificate!!!

Ventilation!

Do windows open?  Are there extractors etc. in the kitchen/bathroom.  Poor ventilation leads to condensation.

Furnishings & Decoration!

Is it suitable?  i.e. No springs sticking out of the bed, or a leg missing off a table.  Note all faults and keep a record (inventory), send a copy to the landlord, so he can't charge you at a later date.  Take photographs.

Bathroom/toilet facilities

How many are sharing!

There should be one bathroom to five people as a minimum.

Does it look satisfactory

Do the taps drip, is it clean, is there a plug in the sink outlet.  Is there evidence of condensation (mould, peeling wallpaper).

Kitchen

Size!

Is it big enough for the numbers expected to cook and store food in the facilities provided.

What is provided!

Is that microwave & washer included in the contract.  Do they provide pots, pans, utensils etc.

Living/communal areas

General requirements!

Check adequate heating source.  Are the soft furnishings adequate - do they have fire resistant tags on.  Is the carpet in good condition, are tables and chairs securely fixed.

Fire safety

Requirements!

As a minimum halls and landings should have regularly tested single point smoke detectors.   
 

Two storey properties!

A good standard to see is inter linked smoke detection - which reacts in all rooms when smoke is detected anywhere else in the property.

Large two and three storey properties

In larger two and three storey property you should be looking for fire doors and hard-wired (with a panel) smoke/heat detectors fitted in rooms.

Four storey or larger

Students considering occupation of a 4 storey or larger premises (i.e. ground, 1st, 2nd, 3rd floors) should request from the landlord evidence of compliance that the premises meets all Environmental Health Office guidelines for fire detection.

Gas safety

Make sure its safe!!!

Any property, which is let to tenants must have an annual gas safety check by a CORGI registered contractor.  You should see the certificate before you move in.

Security

Fittings and alarms

Check door and window fittings are securely fitted and that keys turn easily in the locks.  You can't expect Fort Knox but reasonable force should be able to be deterred.  Make sure you know how to operate the alarm system if one is fitted. 

Common sense

It makes sense to make sure doors and windows are closed and locked when you leave the building.  If you are in a large building you may not know if someone comes in the front or back door, so take precautions.  You are responsible for the safety of yourself and your belongings.  Don't make it easy for a thief.