Questions to Ask

Never book accommodation without thoroughly inspecting it.

The following is a suggested checklist:

• Is it warm, clean and dry? If not leave and report the property to

  the Accommodation Office.

• Is the accommodation convenient? Is it near UCC, shops and

  a bus route? Is it safe at night?

• What is the energy rating of the House (BER)? From January

  2009 all rented properties will have to supply this information.

  A high rated house will be far cheaper to heat and save you money.

• Are there any signs of dampness or mould in the flat?

  Check cupboards and furnishings, walls and ceilings. If it is damp in August it will be really wet by November.

• Are fire extinguishers and fire escape routes adequate? Is there a fire blanket, fire extinguisher and fire alarm?

• Check ventilation, especially in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Do the windows open?

• Is the building secure? Check locks on doors and windows.

• Is it easy to heat? What form of heating is used? How much will it cost? Is it working? Who controls it, etc.? Not only is central heating an effective way of keeping warm, central heating can be the cheapest system, and it reduces dampness and condensation.

• Is the furniture and cupboard space sufficient for the number of people in the house and in good condition?

• Check that the cooker, fridge and other appliances are working. Are kitchen utensils and equipment provided and if so, are they adequate?

• Check that the bathroom facilities and water heater are working. Check the water pressure in showers.

• Is there enough lighting and a sufficient number of electrical sockets and plugs? Are they working? Are they damaged?

• We recommend that the bills remain in the landlords name and he/she take an energy deposit from each tenant, usually €300. This should be enough to cover all energy bills for the academic year (September to May), but check at Christmas to see how much you are using. If you use more than this sum, you will be billed. If you use less, the unused portion of the energy deposit will be refunded to you. You are entitled to see all bills.

• Make note of the settings on all meters and get both you and the landlord to sign and date it. It is best to write this reading into the lease or rent book to avoid any disputes arising later. Read all meters before you leave the property and again get the landlord to sign the reading.

• What are the arrangements for cleaning common areas? Is there adequate cleaning equipment?

• Does anyone else have keys to the flat?

• Do you have access to a garden or clothes line? The landlord should ensure that all outside spaces, including footpaths and gardens are kept in good condition.

• What are the arrangements for rubbish disposal?

• Is there parking for bikes or cars?

• If you are a student with special needs please contact the Accommodation Office directly.