Before you click "accept" on a contract that costs £8,000–£19,000, ask the provider, in writing, every one of these. If they won't answer, that's your answer.
The contract
- How many weeks is the tenancy? (39, 40, 44, 51?)
- Is there a cooling-off period? How long?
- What's the cancellation policy if I don't get my grades / defer?
- Can I release my room mid-year if I find a replacement?
The money
- What exactly is included, heat, water, wifi, contents insurance, gym?
- What's the deposit and how is it protected?
- How and when are rent instalments taken?
- Is council tax exemption handled automatically?
The room
- Which building / floor / room type, can I see photos of the exact type, not the show room?
- Is the room I'm allocated guaranteed or does it depend on availability?
- What furniture is included?
- Is the window openable? (Serious question in some new-build blocks.)
Day-to-day life
- Average maintenance response time?
- Are there quiet hours? How are they enforced?
- Can I have overnight guests?
- Is there a laundry cost? On-site or off-site?
- Bike storage, parcel storage, on-site security?
Before you sign, read at least 5 reviews of this hall on The Common. If there aren't 5, be cautious, and please add yours after you move in.