Renting your first student property is so exciting, but like all things you’ve never done before, it can feel quite overwhelming. If you’ve never rented before, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to ask at viewings or what you need to check before reserving a property.
Many students worry about asking the “wrong” question or feel like they should already know how renting works when they are looking for student accommodation in Liverpool. The truth is, renting for the first time can be confusing, and the job of a letting agency is to assist and guide you through the process.
At Address Properties, we believe transparency is key. We know that the more informed you are before reserving your student home, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel throughout your tenancy.
So, to get you started, here are some of the most important things students don’t always ask, but definitely should.
1. What Should You Check When Viewing Student Accommodation in Liverpool?
When you view a student property, it’s easy to focus on bedroom sizes and décor. But there are other important things to look for, so check:
- Water pressure in showers and taps
- The condition of windows and locks
- Storage space
- The appliances included with the property
- Distance from transport links
- Kitchen size and fridge/freezer space
In most cases, any maintenance issues you notice in a property will have already been reported by the current tenants and scheduled by our maintenance team. However, you should still mention any concerns to your viewer.
A viewing is your opportunity to properly assess whether the property suits your needs, so take your time and don’t feel rushed.
You can also ask about safety certificates, smoke alarms and how the heating works before reserving the property.
2. What Is Included in Student Rent in Liverpool?
Before reserving a student house, you should always check exactly what your rent covers, so ask:
- Is it bills included or bills excluded?
- Does Wi-Fi come with the property?
- Are there usage caps for gas, electricity and water?
- Is there a TV included, and is the TV licence covered in the rent?
- Do you need to pay council tax?
At Address Properties, the majority of our managed properties are bills included. Any property with bills included will have Wi-Fi paid for by the landlord. Additionally, if the home comes with a TV, our landlords will cover the cost of the TV licence.
As a full-time student, you’re usually exempt from paying council tax, but you may still need to provide proof of student status to our lettings team.
Understanding what’s included in your rent helps you budget properly and avoid unexpected costs later.
3. How Do Student Deposits Work in Liverpool?
The security deposit you pay when your contract is sent to you is not just a holding payment. It’s a protected sum of money held for the duration of your tenancy.
You should feel comfortable asking:
- How much is the deposit?
- Where is it protected?
- When will it be returned?
- What deductions could be made?
By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. For our managed properties, we store all tenants’ security deposits in the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS). This protects both you and your landlord and ensures the money is handled fairly.
Once your deposit is paid and registered with the DPS, our accounts team will send you a document outlining how the scheme works and what to expect at the end of your tenancy.
When you first move into the property, you should also take the time to take photographs and report any issues. This helps protect you at the end of your tenancy.
4. Who Is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance?
It’s important to understand the difference between tenant responsibilities and landlord responsibilities. In most cases, landlords are responsible for the majority of maintenance issues that may naturally arise during your tenancy, such as structural repairs, plumbing, heating systems and essential appliances provided with the property.
As a tenant, you’re responsible for taking reasonable care of the property and reporting issues promptly.
To report maintenance in your Address Properties home, you can log the issue on the maintenance portal.
Our dedicated maintenance team is on hand to investigate your reports, schedule jobs and ensure that any issues are resolved efficiently.
5. How Does a Guarantor Work?
Most student tenancies require a guarantor. This is usually a parent or guardian who agrees to cover rent payments if you’re unable to.
When reserving your property and choosing your guarantor, make sure you understand:
- How to ensure your preferred guarantor meets the requirements
- What your guarantor is agreeing to
- Whether the tenancy is joint and several liability
- What happens if one of your housemates falls into rental arrears
Guarantor agreements are legally binding, so it’s important that everyone involved understands their responsibilities. Our lettings team is on hand to discuss this with you and your guarantor during the reservation process.
6. What Happens at the End of the Tenancy?
Many students don’t think about the end of their tenancy when they first move in, but you should ask:
- When do you need to vacate the property?
- What steps do you need to take to receive a full deposit return?
- How is the deposit returned?
- When do keys need to be returned, and where?
Understanding the end-of-tenancy process early helps you avoid confusion or disputes later and helps you feel more organised and prepared.
Why Asking Questions Matters
If this is your first time renting a student house, you are not expected to know everything. Renting in the UK comes with legal agreements, financial commitments and shared responsibilities, and it’s completely normal to need guidance.
At Address Properties, we want you to feel comfortable asking questions at every stage, whether that’s before reserving a property, during your tenancy, or when you’re preparing to move out.
There is no such thing as a “silly” question when it comes to your home.
We’re Here to Help You Rent With Confidence
If you’re looking for student accommodation in Liverpool and want guidance from an experienced local letting agency, asking the right questions early can make all the difference.
As a local letting agency, Address Properties is committed to being open, transparent and supportive. We believe you should fully understand your tenancy agreement, your responsibilities and your rights before you sign anything.
If you’re unsure about any part of the renting process, just ask. We’re here to help you feel confident, secure and ready to enjoy living in your new student home in such an amazing city! (Link to Liverpool Place to be blog)
Check out our available properties, chat to a member of our team by calling 0151 709 0500, or pop into our office at 97 Mount Pleasant for a quick chat. Remember, we’re here to help.