Our Property Requirements

Whilst there has been a sudden surge in students for the 2009/10 academic year, in general the student lettings market in Leicester has become extremely competitive over the last few years as the impact of the large private sector Halls have removed many prospective tenants from the traditional rented sector.

At SULETS, we are committed to ensuring our students are offered good quality furnished accommodation and we believe that this approach is beneficial to landlords as the best presented houses inevitably get snapped up by tenants first.

Except where there are legal minimum requirements, standards are obviously subjective, but the best measure when considering renting your property is to ask, “Would I be happy if my son or daughter lived here?” If the answer is yes, it is probably acceptable.

You should note that these are the minimum requirements we would have for a property – your level of rent will depend on the condition and standard of property you are offering.

Minimum Requirements


Kitchen

• Washing Machine: Less than one year old or PAT tested within last 12 months (SULETS can provide PAT tests at cost,
  please see the section ‘Additional Services’)
• Fridge Freezer: Less than one year old or PAT tested within last 12 months
• Oven and hob
• Adequate storage to meet the number of people due to be living in the property

Sitting Room

• Seating to match bedrooms (e.g. – 4 bedrooms, minimum seating should accommodate 4 people at the absolute minimum):
  All soft furnishings to display labels proving adherence to Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
• TV aerial point
• Curtains/blinds

Bedrooms

• Bed – single or double, although double beds are more popular with tenants
• Mattress: All soft furnishings to display labels proving adherence to Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
  1988.
• Wardrobe
• Desk & Chair: If chair padded, it must display labels proving adherence to Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
  Regulations 1988)
• Curtains/blinds

Bathroom

• WC
• Sink
• Bath and/or shower
• Curtains/blinds
• The facilities should be sufficient to meet the needs of the number of people living in the property.


General

• Smoke Alarms: There must be AT LEAST one on each floor. Further alarms may be required depending on layout of the
  property. Alarms should be wired in with battery back-up or can be radio controlled with battery backup.
• Security: All external doors and windows must have adequate locks, at least equivalent to a 5-lever mortice standard. If entry
  to the property is via a side alley and through the back door (usually if the front reception has been converted into a
   bedroom), the alley should have a security light fitted.
• All furniture must be in good condition and fully useable. The property itself must be clean, decorated to an acceptable
  standard and in a good state of repair.
• Gas central heating should be installed with all radiators bled and working
• A ready supply of hot water should be available preferably via the gas boiler
• Gas and electric meters should be easily accessible and able to be read
• Safety Tests- the following certificates MUST be held before SULETS will market a property for letting:
      o Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate (dated within last twelve months)
      o Energy Performance Certificate
      o Fixed Wiring Certificate/Electrical Installation Certificate
      o Portable Appliance Test (PAT) Certificates on all electrical appliances being left in property
      o Where the property is a licensable HIMO, a licence must be obtained from the Local Authority (SULETS can advise
         on this).