Contents - Dundee College

Living in Private Accommodation
Introduction
Are you considering moving into a private flat, house or bedsit? You need to
think about what you would like and what you can afford.
The quality of private rented accommodation varies from area to area.
However, student type properties in and around Dundee are considered to
be of reasonable quality as well as affordable.
Students should however inspect private accommodation carefully before
signing into any contract.
These properties are not inspected by Dundee College and we are unable
to give recommendations or guarantees in regard to any private property
owner or agent.
If you are considering renting a flat for either yourself, or sharing with other
students, you need to leap into action well before the beginning of term to
ensure that you end up with decent affordable accommodation.
The more flats you see, the more you realise exactly what you can afford.
Essential Checklist
The checklist will help you when looking at more than one place in a day, as
it will be difficult to remember details. Aim to fault before signing the lease.
There should be an inventory listing everything in the flat and a copy
attached to the Lease.
Heating – Gas appliances, pipes etc. are legally required to be checked
before tenant moves/each year. A safety certificate is needed. Electric fires
do the bars work properly, no sparking?
Plumbing – Look under sinks, around toilet/bath, check pipes for damp
patches. Smell?
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