Housing Checklist

Questions to ask when viewing a property:

1. Is the property accredited by the local council?
2. Is the outside of the house ok?  Check from across the road to see if the roof has any signs of mis-aligned tiles/slates, the gutters are leaking or blocked or the chimney is leaning.
3. Who is responsible for maintaining the garden?  Make sure there are tools provided if it is your responsibility.
4. Is there any peeling wallpaper, flaking paint, mould or cold walls?  This could be because of damp.
5. Are there enough power points in all the rooms for your tv, computer, stereo?  Make sure that there are no loose sockets or bare wires.
6. Is there hot and cold running water?
7. Is the sink cracked? Are there any water leaks?
8. Is everything fixed securely to the walls that should be?
9. Is there enough furniture? Is the furniture in good condition?
10. Is there enough storage space in the kitchen for your food, pots and pans etc?  Is the fridge and freezer big enough? 
11. Are the rooms you will occupy large enough for your needs?
12. Are the communal areas large enough for the number of people living in the property?
13. Does the landlord have a gas safety certificate signed by a qualified Corgi Engineer?   
14. Are there smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and/or fire blankets?
15. Does the property have adequate security locks on the doors and windows?