HOUSING
SEARCHING FOR A NEW PLACE TO LIVE CAN
BE DAUNTING. YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT
HOW TO PAY THE RENT, DIVVY UP CHORES
AND AVOID FORKING OUT FOR A FLAT YOU
END UP SHARING WITH A FAMILY OF RATS.
FOR A BETTER CHANCE AT A HAPPY HOME,
MAKE SURE TO TAKE YOUR TIME AND KNOW
WHAT YOU’RE DOING. HERE ARE SOME TIPS
FOR DEALING WITH THE HOUSE-HUNT.
BRING A CHECKLIST
It may make you feel like the over the top
nerdy character from a cheesy film, that
snorts and tuts as they take notes, but
a list can be incredibly useful especially
when comparing properties.
It can be very easy to forget to ask
important questions such as ‘Does this
property have a water meter?’ and ‘Is
this a washer/dryer?’, as well as the deal
breaker question ‘How far is the nearest
pub?’. A list will keep you on track and
make sure you have the same information
for every property you view.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
It is important, both before and after
signing your tenancy agreement, to know
your rights. Read through the agreement
carefully before signing it, especially
looking out for clauses that may allow
your landlord to drop by unannounced
(they should give you at least 24 hours’
notice), or charge you for repairs to items
you haven’t broken.
But also don’t expect too much from your
letting agency or landlord. For example
it is not your landlord’s responsibility to
change a light bulb or unblock a toilet,
but if it’s a leaking roof or broken oven
then it’s time to give them a call.
pic: WOODLEYWONDERWORKS
DON’T BE RUSHED
You’ve been in your new home less than
a month and already people are talking
about where to live next year, but try not
to feel the pressure. There will be letting
agencies (and your friends) telling you
that if you leave the house-hunt too late
there will only be grimy basement flats
and rooms the size of a cupboard left.
This couldn’t be further from the truth
as new properties become available
throughout the year.
If it’s your new flatmates putting the
pressure on, just remind them that,
although you’re all best mates now, that
really you are a group of people thrown
together and have only just met. You may
feel you know each other well, especially
after that night playing ‘I’ve never’, but a
drinking game won’t tell you who leaves
the dirty dishes and who will refuse to
buy toilet paper. In the end you don’t
know how you’ll all feel towards each
other a few weeks, let alone and few
months, down the line.
Don’t let this despair you, however, as
those around you now may indeed be
the perfect roomies and the prospect of
living with them for another year feels
like another series of Friends waiting
to happen. For now, however, just enjoy
where you are and don’t rush into
signing anything before the New Year
at least.
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