1. Choose your housemates
2. Decide the area you wish to look at and the size of the house (larger houses can be
harder to find)
Places to look for houses: Letting agencies / local newspapers / advertisements in
local shops / Websites / University Accommodation website (End of January) /
Facebook groups
3. View at least 3 houses before you decide. Talk to current tenants about the house
(good / bad issues) and about the Landlord.
4. Discuss the contract. This is a legal commitment, and not easy to get out of. If you
don't understand it student advice will look at it and explain. MOST CONTRACTS ARE
FIXED FOR 12 MONTHS WITH NO ESCAPE CLAUSE. Add extras discussed with the
Landlord.
5. Want the house? You will probably have to pay a holding deposit. This ensures the
Landlord will not show it / offer it to anyone else.
Most holding deposits are £100 - £200 which will be taken off first month's rent. If you
decide not to have the house the Holding deposit will be kept by the Landlord.
6. If you are using an agency they will ask for Admin fees / References / Guarantors
(people who will pay the rent if you can't)
7. Closer to move in date, sign the contract. Be prepared to pay deposit (up to 6 weeks
rent) and 1 month rent in advance. If you are not living in the house during the summer
ask for reduced rent.
