Student accommodation viewing and move-in checklist

Confirm that you are viewing the room being offered

Ask for the full address, room type, number of occupants and proposed move-in date before the appointment. A show room or old photograph may differ from the available room. Ask the provider to identify any differences in writing.

If you are far away, request a live walkthrough that shows the entrance, the actual room, shared areas and the surrounding street. Ask specific questions as the provider walks through. Save the written listing and agreed inclusions; a recording should only be made with permission.

Check the space you will use every day

Look for damp, damaged windows, broken furniture and working locks. Ask to see the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and study area. Notice ventilation, storage and whether shared facilities can serve the number of residents.

Ask who handles repairs, how to report an urgent issue and who can enter a room. Find out whether cleaning includes your room or only communal areas. Check Wi-Fi coverage where you will study, mobile signal and the arrangements during power or water interruptions.

• Bedroom: bed, mattress, desk, lighting, sockets, storage and window condition.
• Shared spaces: cooking facilities, hot water, bathrooms, laundry and cleaning schedule.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi inclusions, limits and support contact.
• Repairs: emergency contact, reporting method and access arrangements.

Test access and the campus journey

Ask how residents and guests enter, how keys are replaced and whether access is monitored. Avoid assuming that cameras, a wall or a verification badge guarantee safety. Talk through the arrangements that apply to this particular building.

Try the route to your exact campus at the time you expect to travel. Check the last shuttle or public transport service and the walking section after evening classes. Ask a trusted person to accompany you to an unfamiliar viewing and tell someone where you are going.

Match the promises to the lease before paying

Confirm the provider’s authority to offer the property, the account receiving payment and the documents you are accepting. Pause if the address changes, the offered room cannot be shown, or you are pressured to pay before receiving clear terms.

Review rent, deposits, dates, included services, visitors, cancellation and maintenance responsibilities. Keep written answers. For NSFAS-dependent accommodation, check the current accreditation and placement process with the official office.

Create a move-in record with the provider

Arrange a joint condition inspection before occupation and record existing damage, missing items and meter readings. Label photographs by room and date, agree an inventory and retain a copy of the condition report with your lease.

At handover, record keys or access tags issued and confirm the repair and emergency contacts. Report discrepancies promptly in writing. For a rental dispute, consult the relevant provincial Rental Housing Tribunal or a qualified adviser.