Contents - Dundee College

Looking After The Flat
Property left unoccupied in the winter, especially during the Christmas
holidays, can suffer damage from burst pipes, leaking roofs, etc. It is
worthwhile contacting the landlord before vacating your accommodation for
long periods in the cold weather. Regular and effective cleaning of rooms
and equipment and proper regard to hygiene is essential. An array of empty
bottles and accumulation of grease, dirt, dust or rubbish, is neither tidy nor
hygienic. Bad housekeeping is the most frequent reason given by landlords
for withdrawing their property from the student market.
Safety
Important: When viewing a property ask when gas appliances were last
serviced. Landlords are required by law to have all gas appliances serviced
annually, therefore you should ask for proof of the date of the last service.
Students must be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from
faulty domestic heating appliances. Also, check that electrical sockets are
modern and clear i.e. no scorch marks, check appliances for bare or frayed
wiring.
Each property should have a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and smother
blanket. If you are in any doubt about the standard of fire safety at the
property, you are advised to contact the Local Environmental Health
Service (Tel. 01382 454491).
Budgeting
Many students who want to live in private accommodation do not appreciate
the costs involved. Heating – this can be more expensive than expected.
Older properties often have high ceilings and are more expensive to heat. If
four students in a property each work in their own room and run an electric
fire, for example, the heating costs will be high. The most expensive
appliances to run are: immersion heaters, showers, convector fires and
ovens. Food and household items – try to keep a realistic budget for food
and bear in mind that you have to buy cleaning materials.
19