House Hunting With Manchester Student Homes.

As we’re now past reading week, if you’ve not yet sorted out accommodation for the next academic year, now is a good time to start looking. As many of you will be aware, student housing can be very competitive in Manchester, with a large amount of housing being taken up before the Easter break. 

However, Manchester Student Homes (MSH) is a great resource to use to find your next accommodation. The housing recommended by MSH have all been checked and approved to meet their Code of Standards. 

Before booking viewings for any properties, remember to consider the following:

• How big is your group?
• What kind of accommodation are you looking for? A shared house, flat, studio or private halls?
• Where do you want to live? City Centre, Victoria Park or areas like Fallowfield or Withington?
• What is your budget? Does it include or exclude bills?
• How far are you willing to walk, cycle or get the bus?

Here are five top tips that MSH have put together to help you along the process of finding your next accommodation.

1. Pay attention to details

Whilst the process of finding a new property might feel stressful, it is important that you carry out thorough research on the type of property, the landlord/ letting agent, rental price and the contract. Try and physically view as many properties as you can, to accurately assess the property, understand its layout and space and evaluate the neighbourhood.

2. Consider who you will be living with

Carefully consider and select who you think that you can live with for extended periods of time. It is best to discuss and agree to some ground rules prior to the start of your tenancy, to avoid any potential disputes that may arise. This might include house rules, a cleaning rota and how the bills will be split.

3. Viewing and reviewing properties

Landlords and letting agents should assist student tenants by conducting viewings properly. We suggest that you visit the property with your prospective housemates to make sure everyone is satisfied with it.

If not everyone in your group can attend the viewing in person, it might be helpful for those attending to connect with those that cannot attend in real time. This approach offers the added advantage of asking questions to the existing tenants, who can provide a candid assessment of the property and the landlord’s support.

4. Contract check

When you’ve found a house and are ready to sign a contract, make sure you take full advantage of MSH and have your contract checked.

Two Ways to Check Your Contract:

• In person: By appointment at the MSH Pod.
• By email: Send your contract to manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk.

Key Things to Remember:

• Read the contract first: Make sure you’ve reviewed the document and list out any questions you want to ask.
• Groups: If you’re in a group, find out whether everyone is signing one contract (joint tenancy) or individual ones.
• Guarantor: If a guarantor is required, bring or send the necessary form.
• Group involvement: Involved all your group members in this process.
• Bills: Check whether your rent is bills inclusive or exclusive, and clarify which bills are included and how much extra is charged, if any.
• Verbal agreements: Any verbal agreements should be confirmed in writing—either in the contract addendum or via email.
• Rent calculation: Rental prices are usually quoted per calendar month. Remember to calculate monthly rent from the weekly rate you need to multiply by 52 and divide by 12.

5. Is Your Deposit Protected?

Rental deposits are intended to cover unpaid rent and any damage to the property. By law, landlords must protect a tenant’s deposit in a government approved scheme. Students should receive a letter outlining the details of where their deposit is held and the procedure for retrieving the funds at the end of the tenancy. 

For more information or assistance, follow Manchester Student Homes on Facebook, X or Instagram, or get in touch directly via:

• Email: manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk
• Phone: 0161 275 7680