If you’re moving out of halls next year or joining your first student house share in Leeds, house viewings are one of the most exciting parts of the process.
Living in a student house gives you true independence for the first time — but it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and say yes to the first place you view. After all, you’ll be living with your mates, so what could go wrong?
The truth is, not every house is suitable for every student. Take your time, explore your options, and ask the right questions to determine if a property truly meets your needs.
So, do you know what questions to ask at a student house viewing? If you’re unsure, we’ve put together some smart questions that’ll help you find your ideal student house in Leeds.
Questions to ask yourself
Before you start viewing student properties, ask yourself one key question:
Have I chosen the right housemates?
Choosing housemates is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make at university. Sure, you all have a laugh on nights out — but will your best friends stick to the cleaning rota?
It might feel awkward to think about your friends this way, but it’s essential. Living together can test friendships, and the wrong mix of people can make living in even the loveliest house stressful. Some friends are brilliant to hang out with but a nightmare to live with, so consider your options carefully before making a choice.
If you’re still deciding who to live with, check out our blog post on questions to ask a potential housemate for further guidance.
Questions to ask current tenants
When you view a house that’s occupied, chat to the current tenants. They can offer honest insights that you won’t find in a property listing.
Ask how they’ve found living in the house and the area, and whether they’ve had any issues. Maybe the walk to campus turned out to be longer than expected, or they might think the local bars and shops are great.
Tenants might also share what it’s like to deal with the landlord or letting agency, which can be helpful to know before you sign anything.
Do you enjoy living here?
This is a great open question to start with. It encourages tenants to share their real experiences — the good and the bad — and can reveal any red flags you might not spot on your own.
What’s the area like?
Every student has different priorities when it comes to location. Some want to be close to the action, near bars, shops, and nightlife. Others prefer somewhere quieter where they can rest and focus on studying.
During house viewings, talk to the tenants about their experiences of the local area.
What are the neighbours like?
Most student houses sit in busy student areas, but not every property on the street will be full of students. If the neighbours aren’t students, ask what they’re like. This can really affect how relaxed and enjoyable your living situation is.
What’s the Wi-Fi like?
Strong, reliable Wi-Fi is essential in any student house, whether you’re streaming lectures, gaming, or scrolling on TikTok. Ask the current tenants how they find the connection day to day. Also, while you’re there, check your phone for any signal or data blackspots.
Do you feel safe here?
Feeling secure in your student house and the surrounding area is crucial. Find out if current tenants have ever had any safety concerns, and review outdoor lighting and door and window locks.
How much are your bills?
If the rent for a property doesn’t include bills, ask the current tenants roughly how much they pay each month. This will help you create a more accurate budget. Remember to factor in gas, electricity, water, broadband, a TV licence, and contents insurance.
And don’t stress about council tax — full-time students don’t have to pay it. You do need to apply for an exemption, though.
Most of our student house rent packages include bills, so you make one simple monthly payment via Direct Debit. You won’t need to find the best deals, manage several accounts, or chase housemates for their share.
Questions to ask the landlord or letting agent
It’s easy to forget what you want to ask when you’re on a viewing, even if you’ve got a list in your head. Read through our house viewing tips and questions, and jot down the ones that matter most so you don’t miss anything on the day.
How far is the property from university?
Leeds has many university campuses, so ensure you know the location of your course and check the distance to potential houses.
When your housemates are on different courses, you’ll also need to factor in each of their campuses. Distance matters — not only for how long it takes to get to lectures and seminars, but also for the cost of transport.
Sometimes you only get a feel for the commute when you’re at the property, so keep it in mind during viewings. If you take a virtual tour, check out the area in person too.
What’s included in the rent?
Before or during a viewing, find out what’s included in the rent.
At Pickard Properties, all our student houses with three or more bedrooms are bills-inclusive. You get unlimited gas, electricity, and water. Plus a TV licence, 400MB broadband, and contents insurance. So, no nasty surprises at the end of your tenancy.
It’s also crucial to check what’s included inside the house itself. For example, is it furnished? All of our student properties come fully furnished, with many appliances, to make moving in and day-to-day life as easy as possible.
Is there outdoor space at the property?
A cosy, warm house is perfect for autumn and winter, but when spring and summer roll around, it’s great to have some outdoor space to hang out and socialise.
If you’re dreaming of summer BBQs or somewhere to relax in the sun, make sure to ask about gardens or patios when you view a property.
When the house doesn’t have its own outdoor space, you might be close to a park instead. In Leeds, for example, Woodhouse Moor is a popular spot for students to enjoy the fresh air.
Is there parking or bike storage at the property?
This might not matter to everyone, but if you or your housemates drive or cycle, ask about parking and bike storage.
On-street parking is common in Leeds’ student areas, so finding a spot is usually manageable — but it’s still a good idea to check where you’re allowed to park.
Is there public transport nearby?
Even if you don’t plan on using buses or trains every day, check what public transport options are close to the house. Good connections can save you time and make trips into the city, to campus, or out with friends much easier.
Ask about nearby bus stops and train stations, and how reliable the services are.
How much is the deposit, and where will you hold it?
It’s a good idea to clarify the deposit amount early on. Make sure a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme protects your money. You should receive written confirmation of this once you’ve moved in.
When do I need to pay the deposit?
The timing of deposit payments can vary between providers, and sometimes it’s a warning sign if it’s requested too early.
At Pickard Properties, you only need to pay the joint deposit for student house shares after everyone signs the paperwork. This means the property is officially yours for the next academic year, giving you peace of mind before spending a penny.
How do I get my deposit back at the end of the tenancy?
While you’re thinking about deposits, check when you’ll get it back. Our tenants typically receive their deposit within 10 days of the tenancy ending via bank transfer. If you are on a joint tenancy agreement, the deposit will be returned to the nominated lead tenant. Quick, simple, and hassle-free.
Do I need to arrange contents insurance?
It might not be the most exciting topic, but contents insurance is essential — don’t skip it.
If you rent a large student property from us, contents insurance is included in our bills-inclusive packages. When you choose a bills-exclusive option, you’ll need to organise your own insurance.
Before buying a separate policy, speak to your parents about their house insurance. Some insurance providers will cover your valuables while you’re living away at university, while others won’t.
Are there working smoke detectors and burglar alarms?
Safety first! Every Pickard Properties home has a working smoke detection system, fire doors, and a fire blanket in the kitchen. You also get a burglar alarm for peace of mind when you’re out at lectures or with friends.
Will you fix that?
If you notice anything during your viewing — a crack in the wall, peeling paint, or anything else that seems off — point it out to the agent. They’ll likely already know about it, but if not, they can usually sort it before you move in.
Is the landlord a member of the Unipol Code?
The Unipol Code is a voluntary scheme for student housing providers that sets standards for property quality, management, and tenant care. Being a member is a strong sign that you’re dealing with a reliable and trustworthy landlord.
Pickard Properties is proud to be a Unipol Gold Member, giving our tenants extra peace of mind.
Final thoughts
Finding the right student house is easier when you know what to ask. Whether you need questions for a student house viewing, a flat viewing, or general property queries, these tips will help you feel more confident.
When you’re ready to rent with Pickard Properties, our friendly team is on hand to help. We’ll answer your student accommodation questions and support you from your first viewing to move-in day. Don’t be shy, get in touch today!
