Housing Top Tips - #ThinkBeforeYouInk

Wednesday 14-10-2020 - 10:45
Thinkbeforeyouink

October & November for students often involves: quickly deciding who you want to live with next academic year, rushing to get a house before all the ‘good ones’ get signed up & often, hastily signing a legally-binding tenancy agreement which locks you into a property until the end of the next academic year.

We’re relaunching our #ThinkBeforeYouInk housing campaign throughout October, November and December which in essence encourages you as students to consider all factors  before signing a housing contract. There are so many variables to consider: housemates, property type, location and this year: even a global pandemic.

Our Advice Centre is on hand to provide neutral and impartial housing advice and will be releasing tips, hints & guidance to help you feel informed about your housing commitments.

Take a read of our first group of top tips about the viewing process (whether that be in-person or more likely, virtual/video tours!):

 

  • Look out for signs of black mould on the walls, especially in the corners or less ventilated spaces. - If viewing a house remotely via a video and this isn’t shown ask the landlord or letting agent to go back and film those areas.

 

  • Pay attention to the smell when looking at the house. Any strong smell (good or bad) should be noted. Good smells good be hiding bad damp smells

 

  • Look out for rising damp. If there is any ask what is being done to address it.

 

  • Make sure to take time when house hunting, find the right home for you. Our advice is to look at a minimum of 3 homes.

 

  • Look for houses with accreditation like CLAS. These have been checked and accredited by the local council authorities

 

  • There are more than enough house for everyone. Don’t feel pressured into signing until you are all happy.

 

  • Email to speak to to an advisor if you have any questions about your house hunt, contract or any housing issues you may have. csuadvice@chester.ac.uk

 

For further information and guidance, head over to our Housing Advice website pages or contact one of our Advisors on csuadvice@chester.ac.uk

And remember, Think Before You Ink!

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