Sign a Contract to Rent Student Accommodation in Lancaster
As a university town, Lancaster is geared to helping students succeed. Its impressive buildings and facilities (the University of Lancaster has won ‘best Lancaster student accommodation‘ awards in the past) attract students from across the country, while its rich history and heritage are celebrated in museums, castles and parks.
You can find many examples of this architecture on a wander around the city, along with the meandering canal towpaths that used to be vital trade routes (today they’re ideal for walking dogs). Lancaster’s cathedral is a stunning sight while the Museum on Market Square has exhibitions about local life and culture. The castle is another must-see, with its 19th-century prison cells and antique furniture.
The city’s university has a strong reputation as a teaching and research institution, with its degrees well-regarded by employers. Its courses are also designed to get students into work quickly with 97 per cent finding employment within six months of graduation. It has a number of societies for students with a focus on sports, arts, media and more.
It’s worth checking with the agent whether bills are included in your rent and if there is back-up for the property in the event of a problem. You should also be clear about what you will and won’t be able to do in the property, as some landlords will charge tenants for things such as changing the locks or having the boiler serviced.
The Right Way to Sign a Contract to Rent Student Accommodation in Lancaster
The right place for you to Lancaster student accommodation will be based on your personal priorities and those of the people you want to share the house with. If you like to party, then a place close to the city centre will be important, while others may prefer a quieter location on the outskirts of town. It’s always worth taking a friend to visit the property before you sign a contract, as they can offer an unbiased opinion on what it’s really like to live there.
Furthermore, the concept of eco-friendly and sustainable student accommodation is gaining traction. Accommodation providers are incorporating sustainable design elements, energy-efficient technologies, and environmentally conscious practices to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a greener lifestyle among students.
One of the most important things you need to do is read the contract carefully, paying particular attention to the start date of the agreement. Once a contract has been signed it can’t be changed, so you will need to be sure that you can start living there on the agreed date. It’s also a good idea to watch the short ‘walk through’ videos, usually found on each property page.
If you can’t or don’t want to provide a guarantor, there are agencies that for a fee will act as a guarantor on your behalf. This is a great option for students from overseas, where getting a UK guarantor can be difficult. A reputable agency should be regulated by the Property Ombudsman, so you can be confident that they will treat your information with respect and confidentiality. Alternatively, you could choose to pay for a deposit bond, which gives the landlord confidence that you will pay your rent. This is often required for larger groups of students who would otherwise be unable to secure a property.