Looking for some tips as a parent of students who are entering letting market (Scotland)

cr1mson

Both children are looking to rent properties for the next academic year and looking for any tips that others can share.

Thanks in advance.

elly68

can I ask what uni's .
sharing is always cheaper as bills are split but the larger the renting group bigger danger of group splitting 
consider cost of travel to uni vrs higher rent closer to the uni
some contracts mean you have to find a replacenment for the room
watch the contacts some term time some 12 months 
hope that helps

lika_86

Leave them to it, they're adults now, they'll work it out.

Nebulous2

Some places the market is very competitive, and they'll have to beat others to get it. One of my children wanted to rent as a group of 4 in Glasgow. They were asked to each write an essay saying why they wanted one house. Getting in and securing a lease early is essential. 

A lot of 4 bedroom student properties were actually 3 bedroom houses with a public room made into another bedroom. This meant very limited communal areas. 

There's a high possibility you'll be asked to be a guarantor. 

Then there are all the issues with getting repairs, dealing with disputes within the group etc. 

There's a reason why developers have built so much new student accommodation. Despite the cost, it removes many of the hassles of dealing with small landlords who often don't understand or fulfill their role. 

I've known several people buy a property for their offspring and get their child's friends to pay their mortgage by renting rooms to the friends. 

silvercar

Don’t believe the hype of signing up early. Both my kids bought into this, signing up very early in the year for their house for the following year. When they decided to remain at their uni towns to do a masters they (a) found house mates and (b) found houses to rent within weeks of the start of term.

Albermarle

Some you have to book for 12 months, typically from July 1st  but for July and August the rent is cheaper. Although I think sometimes you are not allowed to live there during those months , just maybe drop stuff off.
A bills included deal is better, as otherwise one of the renters has to register as a customer with the utility companies, which can bring a lot of hassle.
Always take a lot of photos when moving in, and check the inventory carefully. If there is any obvious damage report it as soon as you move in. Student landlords are well known for holding on to deposits at end of tenure claiming there is damage.

zagubov

If its Edinburgh your landlord may want empty possession over August for the festival.

cr1mson

elly68 said:

can I ask what uni's .
sharing is always cheaper as bills are split but the larger the renting group bigger danger of group splitting 
consider cost of travel to uni vrs higher rent closer to the uni
some contracts mean you have to find a replacenment for the room
watch the contacts some term time some 12 months 
hope that helps

One in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow and could in theory commute but not what they are we want. However we are hoping that it will give them the freedom not to have to leap into something unsuitable.

lika_86 said:

Leave them to it, they're adults now, they'll work it out.

That is my instinct but as am likely to be asked to be a guarantor want to protect myself

Nebulous2 said:

Some places the market is very competitive, and they'll have to beat others to get it. One of my children wanted to rent as a group of 4 in Glasgow. They were asked to each write an essay saying why they wanted one house. Getting in and securing a lease early is essential. 

A lot of 4 bedroom student properties were actually 3 bedroom houses with a public room made into another bedroom. This meant very limited communal areas. 

There's a high possibility you'll be asked to be a guarantor. 

Then there are all the issues with getting repairs, dealing with disputes within the group etc. 

There's a reason why developers have built so much new student accommodation. Despite the cost, it removes many of the hassles of dealing with small landlords who often don't understand or fulfill their role. 

I've known several people buy a property for their offspring and get their child's friends to pay their mortgage by renting rooms to the friends. 

Thanks wow an essay! One has been in private halls for last 2 years but has had enough so keen to get a flat. Buying a flat not an option.

silvercar said:

Don’t believe the hype of signing up early. Both my kids bought into this, signing up very early in the year for their house for the following year. When they decided to remain at their uni towns to do a masters they (a) found house mates and (b) found houses to rent within weeks of the start of term.

I think it is true in Edinburgh and Glasgow unfortunately where they are looking.

Albermarle said:

Some you have to book for 12 months, typically from July 1st  but for July and August the rent is cheaper. Although I think sometimes you are not allowed to live there during those months , just maybe drop stuff off.
A bills included deal is better, as otherwise one of the renters has to register as a customer with the utility companies, which can bring a lot of hassle.
Always take a lot of photos when moving in, and check the inventory carefully. If there is any obvious damage report it as soon as you move in. Student landlords are well known for holding on to deposits at end of tenure claiming there is damage.

Thanks will get them to take loads of photos.

zagubov said:

If its Edinburgh your landlord may want empty possession over August for the festival.

Yes one is in Edinburgh unforunately!

Thanks all!