It can be exciting to move into your first rental property, but before you start that Pinterest board for what you want your future room to look like, let’s talk about the basics of your starting your search!
It can be exciting to move into your first rental property, but before you start that Pinterest board for what you want your future room to look like, let’s talk about the basics of your starting your search!
Our Housing Looking page is packed with all the information you need to know so you can search for accommodation with confidence when you are ready to start your search. For now, we have collated key highlights from the page, so you have an idea of what to expect and look out for.
Know your rights
Landlords and agents have to give their tenants certain information about the tenancy. They have an obligation to make sure you understand key elements of the renting process, such as sharing the government’s How To Rent Guide with you before you sign.
Pressure sales are illegal. Estate agents must give you time to get your contract checked. Before signing, ask them to email the contract to you, and email it to the Advice Centre with the subject ‘contract check request’ to get impartial feedback.
If you suspect that an estate agent or landlord is being dishonest, or pressuring you, don’t pay or sign anything before getting guidance. If you are worried after signing or paying, ask an advisor for guidance.
When should I start looking?
Now is a good time for looking. Signing up to housing usually requires over £1000 and committing to a long-term contract. For now, we recommend you start thinking about who you might want to live with and looking at accommodation prices with your friends to get an idea of what you can afford.
Who should I live with?
If you have people in mind that you’d like to live with, great! But think carefully about who you’re going to live with – some friends are great to spend a night out with, but they may not be ideal as a housemate. A signed tenancy agreement is a legally binding document and once signed, it is not easy to get out of.
It may feel like an awkward conversation but talk about what you would like out of a housemate and how you would be as a housemate. Do you mind if people have parties or play loud music until 2am? Do you want tidy communal spaces, or could you live with a few dishes in the sink overnight (or over a couple of days)?
If you’re still looking for housemates, here a few potential ideas to help your search:
Where do we search?
There are flats and houses to rent in Egham, in nearby Englefield Green or in the neighbouring towns of Windsor and Staines-upon-Thames. There are a number of ways in which you can look for accommodation to rent in the private sector:
- Use the Students’ Union search tool studentpad
- Use a letting agent
- Check websites that advertise spare rooms/properties
Start by doing a search for the size property you need with the area you’d like to live in, e.g. ‘4-bedroom student house to rent Englefield Green.’ The ads you come across will usually lead to a local estate agent’s contact detail, which you can use to book viewings.
What happens at viewings?
You won’t necessarily have a lot of time to view a property. If the current tenants are there, it can be a bit awkward and even difficult to imagine how the place might look without their stuff there or if they haven’t had time to tidy up.
Plus, keep in mind that if the agent will have their own motivations to talk it up and gloss over any cons. To make the most of the viewing and avoid being misled, use our essential Viewing Checklist.
We suggest going to your viewing with one if not all of your housemates so that you all have a chance to look at the property and decide if it’s the right place for all of you.
You may also find it helpful to take videos and pictures yourself on your viewing appointments to look back on and show your housemates who may not be able to view the property. But we advise you to always ask permission before you do! Keep your options open and look at different properties to find the one that is best for you.
Take your time and make sure that you have found a place that is affordable, in good condition, with the right people, and in an ideal location. If you have any doubts or are unsure about anything related to taking on a new property, contact the Advice Centre. We are here to support you and want to ensure you have a good experience when finding a new house.
Protect yourself from rental fraud and check out our article on spotting a scam.
FURTHER SUPPORT
The Advice Centre is a free, independent and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist housing advice. Book an appointment with us via email or join one of our drop-in sessions - you can find this in the Events Calendar under the Advice tab.