Property viewing tips

 

Property checklist, click image to open.

 

 

 

 

Always view before you sign

 

Once you have searched the LSH website and drawn up a shortlist of potential properties, it's now time to contact the landlord, agent or hall to arrange to go and view the room or property. We always recommend that you do this, even if you like what you have seen on the property adverts.

 

Some accommodation providers have included video walkthroughs and/or virtual tours to their property adverts, so check these out too.

 

If you are viewing a property virtually ask if a live tour is possible, so that you can ask to see all areas of the property and ask questions.

 

If you are viewing in person and are in a group try to all go and view the properties together, to make sure that you are all completely happy before you sign any contracts.

 

Download the LSH property checklist above, for a list of things to look out for when you visit the property and which you may want to ask the accommodation provider about.

 

 

Look at the surrounding area

 

When you go to view properties also take a look at the neighbourhood. Have a walk around and check out the local amenities such as the location of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. You may want to visit the area again at different times of the day to get a complete picture, especially if you are unfamiliar with Liverpool.

 

If you are unsure of anything while viewing a property, always ask the landlord, letting agent or hall manager.

 

 

International students

 

If you are an international student or you are not currently in the UK, we advise that you book into a hotel or guesthouse for a couple of nights for when you arrive in Liverpool. This will then give you time to view properties before making a final decision.

 

We do not recommend signing any contracts for properties until you have been to see them, as tenancy agreements are legally binding and it's not that easy to leave the contract if you find the property is not exactly what you wanted!

 

 

No 'To Let' signs 

 

LSH recommends to accredited accommodation providers that they do not display 'To Let' signs outside of their properties. This is because signs can highlight that students reside in the property and can attract thieves. Read more about our No To Let Boards campaign, as part of our burglary reduction campaigns.