Inspecting Properties

Security
? Is the house secure?
? Are all the external doors are solid with five-bar mortice locks?
? The internal doors all have locks.
? Do all ground floor windows have security locks?
? Are the ground floor curtains sufficiently lined or is it possible to see through them?
? Does the property have a burglar alarm?
? Does it have a smoke detector?

Gas & Electricity
? The wiring doesn't look old, there aren't any frayed cables.
? Do the electric gas fires work? Check the gas fire heats up properly and isn't heat stained.
? Check the plugs don't get hot when switched on and there are is a sufficient number of power sockets.
? Do all appliances work e.g. cooker, fridge-freezer etc?
? Make sure you get your gas and electricity meters read immediately after you have taken responsibility for the property.
? Ensure that you ask the landlord/agency to see the original CORGI Gas safety certificate for gas appliances.

Gas Safety Certificates
All landlords now have to carry out annual gas safety inspections (with a CORGI registered engineer) by law and provide each tenant with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate. If you are a new tenant, then you should be issued with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate before you move in.

The Health & Safety Executive has a Gas Safety Advice line on
0800 300363

In the event of an emergency call
0800 111999

Electricity
Many landlords may hold a NICEIC certificate which proves that the property has had an electrical check within the last five years. Although this is recommended, it is not a legal requirement.

Furniture
? Has the house got enough furniture for the occupants?
? Is there sufficient storage space (Kitchen, wardrobe etc.)
? Is any of the existing furniture the property of existing tenants?
? Is all the furniture in good condition?
? Is the furniture fire retardant?

Plumbing
? Does the plumbing work?
? Is there hot running water and how do you pay for it??
? Have you tried and tested all the taps?
? Does the toilet flush or leak?
? The bath and basins aren't cracked

Carbon Monoxide
If you have gas appliances in your house, Carbon Monoxide is a possible danger. It's invisible and odourless, but it can kill.

Watch out for...
? Gas flames that burn orange or yellow rather than blue.
? Sutty stains on or around your appliances.
? Solid fuels that burn slowly or go out.

Know the symptoms...
? Unexplained drowsiness.
? Giddiness when standing up.
? Headaches.
? Sickness and Diarrhoea.
? Chest pains.
? Unexplained stomach pains.

Insurance
? Don't think of doing without it - the number of burglaries and thefts in student houses is rising!
? Shop around to find the right insurance package for your requirements.
? Make sure that you're covered over the vacations.

Costs
? How does the rental price compare to other properties in the area?