President's Guide: Flat Hunting

Looking for a flat 

Like many of you, I also faced the daunting task of finding a flat. In my second year, I missed several weeks of university before finding somewhere to live. Based on my experience, I want to share some tips, inform you of your rights, and provide reassurance! 

This isn't a complete list of advice, so if you need further support don't hesitate to contact Shelter Scotland, they are the best place for all things housing support; they provide legal support, general advice, information about your rights, and casework. 

Start Early, Beat the Rush: Edinburgh is a hot spot for students, so start your search early. Planning ahead and starting early can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure you find a place to live that isn’t a hazard sign in disguise.  

If you don’t have flatmates lined up, need an extra flatmate, or want to move into a flat with people looking for a flatmate, then no worries! You can join flatmate groups and websites to find potential roomies.  

Check out Spareroom or Roomies or look up one of the many find-a-flatmate groups on Facebook. The Student Union even has a Find a Flatmate Chat  

If you are still looking for a flat or haven’t started, then your best port of call to start searching is: 

• Check websites like S1 Homes, Rightmove, Zoopla, Gumtree, OpenRent, and Spareroom 

• Ask your friends, family or colleagues if they know about any homes for rent 

• Check local social media groups, noticeboards or newspaper listings 

• Contact local letting agencies to ask if they have homes available 

What you need to have/think about before you start  

• A deposit: Save up some cash for that all-important deposit. It's your ticket to securing a flat! Though I know how hard that can be with the cost of living, so check out Shelter Scotlands help on paying deposits  

• A guarantor: Typically, a parent or guardian who agrees to cover your rent if you can't. However, if you are estranged or don't have a UK guarantor, then don’t sweat Heriot-Watt has a guarantor scheme that can help! 

• Shelter Scotland Guidance: Check out Shelter Scotland's tips to be aware of all the dos and don’ts. 

• Location, Location, Location: How far is the flat from campus? Is it on a bus route? Convenience is key! 

RED FLAGS 

Once you find the flat of your dreams or, most likely, the least crap one within your price range, you should set up a viewing! Now, like going on a first date, when going to see a flat for the first time, it's essential to keep an eye out for red flags, so leave them rose-tinted glasses at home and look out for: 

• If the flat looks straight out of a horror movie, complete with creaky floorboards, flickering lights, and mysterious cold spots, maybe give it a miss—unless you’re into that sort of thing! 

• Spot some fuzzy green or black patches on the walls? That’s not abstract art, my friend. Mould can be a health hazard, so steer clear! Be sure to check behind the furniture and around windows.  

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls? Either you’re looking at serious plumbing issues, or you’re about to cohabit with a flat that cries more than you during exam season. So be sure to raise this as an issue so they can repair this as soon as you move in! 

• If the landlord is harder to pin down than a real-life haggis and can’t answer basic questions about the flat, they might not be the most reliable when you need something fixed. 

Be sure to ask questions about issues, repairs, and previous tenants. If you like the look of your flat, get ready with that deposit in place.  

Housing Scams and how to spot them 

A scam occurs when someone creates a scheme to deceive you into sending money for a room or property that doesn’t exist or that they don’t own/manage the property or they take a large amount of money and then disappears. To help you protect yourself against these scams, we’ve created a checklist of dos and don’ts to follow before signing any tenancy agreement or sending money to anyone. 

• DO check the tenancy agreement before signing: Take a moment to channel your inner detective and scrutinise that tenancy agreement. Sherlock would be proud! Keep an eye out for anything that looks dodgy!  

• DO ensure the property exists: Pop the address into Google Maps and take a virtual stroll using ‘Street View’. Think of it as a mini adventure without leaving your seat. 

• DO view the flat in person or virtually before signing a contract: Ideally, swing by for an in-person visit to see if it feels like home. If not, a virtual tour can still give you the scoop on your potential new pad. Remember to look out for those red flags! 

• DO check your letting agent or landlord: In Scotland, all letting agents and landlords must be registered with their relevant bodies! Go and use their Landlord Registration number (found on the property ad) and confirm it’s legit on the Scottish Landlord Registration website. For letting agents, verify their credentials on the Scottish Letting Agent Register. It’s like a background check but for your peace of mind! 

• Do check for that HMO licence - If there are 3 or more people who aren't related staying in a flat, it will need to have an HMO licence – so make sure to check that the property has one. 

• DO think carefully before signing: Take your time and think about your decision. Remember the top three scam signals: unbelievably low rent (if it’s too good to be true, it probably is), being asked for a deposit before viewing, and requests for money via transfer services. Stay savvy and dodge those rental traps! 

• DON’T let your landlord or letting agent keep your legal documents: No one needs to hold onto your passport, driving license, or birth certificate. In Scotland, it’s not a legal requirement, so keep those precious docs in your hands. 

• DON’T feel pressured to act quickly: If a landlord or agent rushes you to decide, send money, or agree to a tenancy, it’s likely a tactic to prevent you from thinking it through. Take your time and follow your gut! 

• DON’T send any money before you’ve signed a tenancy agreement: No need to part with your cash before the dotted line is signed. You shouldn’t have to pay a penny to view a flat or before finalizing the tenancy agreement. 

• DON’T send any money to a letting agent via a transfer service: Avoid using services like Western Union to send money to letting agents. It's a red flag and a common scam method. 

If you believe you’ve been scammed, don’t keep it to yourself! Report it to your local police station or call 101 and call your bank ASAP! Unfortunately, if you are scammed, it is unlikely to get your money back, ever, even if the rouge landlord is tracked down. So, stay safe and savvy!   

Hooray, You’ve Got a Flat! But Hold Up, There’s a Checklist! 

Congrats on snagging that flat! Feeling like you’re on top of the world? Well, hold your horses, champ. Here’s your next mission now that you’ve got those shiny new keys: 

Check & Record Everything: 

Snap pics of everything—yes, EVERYTHING! Every room, under mattresses, inside wardrobes, showers, bathroom tiles, you name it. These photos are your secret weapon if your landlord tries to pin any pre-existing damages on you when you move out. You also should be given an Inventory so take care to check the property condition, items, etc and make sure it is all there! 

Inspect for Dampness, Damage, and Mold: 

While you’re at it with the camera, check for any dampness, damage, or mould. 

Spot anything funky? Report it to your letting agent or landlord pronto to dodge any future blame. 

Test Smoke Alarms, Lightbulbs, Taps, Showers, and Locks: 

Make sure everything is in working order. If anything’s busted, inform your letting agent or landlord ASAP. You should always follow phone calls with an email to keep everything in writing—cover your bases!  This follow up email should confirm everything that was discussed in the phone call. Don’t delay - do this just after. The written record will be important if any disputes. 

Apply for Your Council Tax Exemption: 

As a full-time student, you’re exempt from paying council tax. Apply for this through Edinburgh Council. Did you get a council tax bill before you applied? Don’t sweat it; you’re still eligible for the exemption. But don't ignore them council tax demands, it takes a long time to retract a bill that has gone to debt collection. 

Now, go forth and conquer your new flat with confidence and a dash of fun—and keep the landlords on their toes! 

Are you struggling 

If you are unable to find a flat or are suffering due to the conditions of your flat, remember that you are not alone. Our Advice Hub and the University's Wellbeing Services are here to provide you with the advice and support you might need during these challenging times.  

If you are worried about being homeless or suffering from a rude or useless landlord, remember that there are resources available to help you. Don't hesitate to contact Shelter Scotland. They are the best place for all things housing support; they provide legal support, general advice, information about your rights, and casework.