House Hunting Guide A5_ Keele_ Hunting Guide _K digital single pages | Page 13

Properties 1 2 3 Plumbing Check all bathroom and kitchen areas and appliances. Washing machine. Kitchen Is it big enough for the number of people sharing the house? Is there enough storage space in the cupboards, fridge and freezer? Is it clean and hygienic? Is there a smoke or heat detector? General property Are the rooms big enough? Is furniture included in the rent? Is there enough furniture for the occupants and does it meet fire regulations? If there’s a sofa, check it has a fire regulations label. Is the furniture in good condition? Are the beds in good condition? Are there any signs of damp and condensation? Check behind cupboards and wardrobes – it can be harder to spot these problems in the spring and summer compared to winter. Money What does the rent include? Check the contract to confirm this. Are there any extra fees? How much is the deposit and which tenancy deposit scheme is it held in? Is the rent paid monthly, quarterly or termly? Do you need contents insurance? Contract What type of contract is it and when does the tenancy start? Property 1 Property 2 Property 3 Is the property managed by the landlord or a letting agent? Property 1 Property 2 Property 3 If someone leaves part way through the contract, who is liable for the rent? Property 1 Property 2 Property 3 Have you had the contract checked by ASK? Highly recommended as it’s a legally binding agreement. Owner Is the property and landlord accredited by the North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme? Do you know the owner’s name, address and phone number? Will the landlord/agent provide any extra services (chargeable) such as window cleaning, refuse disposal, gardening, or lighting in common areas such as stairwells. 13