House hunting checklist

Is the roof in a good state?  

Are there any tiles missing?  

Is the garden maintained well?  

Who maintains the garden?  

Where are the bins stored?  

Are the windows in good condition?  

Is there space for parking or secure cycle storage?  

Are there plants growing out of the guttering and drainpipes?  

Are there shops nearby?  

Is public transport easily accessible?  

Are the neighbours students or permanent residents?  

Is the area tidy and properties well maintained?  

Are the windows and doors solid? 

Do they open and close properly?  

Do the external doors have five lever mortice locks?  

Do the downstairs windows have locks? Is there a working burglar alarm?  

Do all of the appliances work, (Eg: healing, shower, cooker)?  

Is there a Safety Certificate for both electrical and gas services?  

Are there enough sockets?  

Is there a carbon monoxide detector in all rooms with a gas appliance?  

How much are the heating bills, is the property easy to heat? 

Check all bathroom and kitchen areas and appliances inc washing machine. 

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?  

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.  

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?  

What type of contract is it and when does the tenancy start?  

If someone leaves part way through the contract, who Is liable for the rent?  

Have you had the contract checked by ASK?  We highly recommend this as it's a legally binding agreement.  

Is the properly and landlord accredited by a local or UK-wide Landlord Accreditation Scheme, like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)?  

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.