Student rentals: things you need to know to avoid bad surprises

How to find a home without unpleasant surprises

Finding a student rental—whether a room or an apartment—can feel overwhelming. Unclear ads, tiny rooms with outrageous prices, poor conditions, and contracts with questionable clauses are just some of the hurdles you may face.

🔎 Before signing a lease, it’s essential to recognize potential scams and avoid issues that could cost you in the long run. Here are key things to consider before renting as a student.

1. Don’t let the real estate agent rush you

A common trick to pressure prospective tenants into hasty decisions is psychological urgency:

“This place already has ten requests; you need to decide now!”

“If you don’t book it today, it’ll be gone tomorrow!”

📌 If an agent or landlord pressures you too much, take your time to evaluate carefully. Rushed decisions often lead to bad surprises. Renting is a big commitment, and signing a lease without thoroughly checking everything could be a costly mistake.

2. Always check for mold

Mold isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it can indicate poor ventilation and persistent humidity, posing health risks. Before choosing a place, inspect:

• Room corners, especially behind furniture
• Areas around windows and ceilings
• The overall smell of the apartment—if it smells damp, there may be a problem

❗️ If you notice black spots or a strong mold odor, it’s best to look for another place.

3. The window test: a small detail that matters

It may seem minor, but old or poorly functioning windows can be a nightmare. Before renting, do this test:

✅ Open and close the windows to check if they work properly
✅ Ensure they are well-insulated—poor insulation means high winter heating bills and freezing temperatures
✅ Check for drafts or thin glass that make it hard to maintain warmth

Many tenants overlook these details and later find themselves paying sky-high heating bills 💸

4. Always visit the apartment in daylight

An apartment may seem perfect at night, with artificial lighting masking defects. But in natural light, you might spot issues like:

• Damaged walls or water stains
• Cracks in the walls
• Poor sunlight exposure (essential for comfort and energy savings)

☀️ Visiting during the day lets you see the property’s real condition and decide if it’s worth the asking price.

5. Read every contract clause carefully

❌ Never sign a lease without thoroughly reading it. Key things to check:

• Lease duration and termination conditions
• Security deposit amount and refund terms
• Any vague or unfair clauses against tenants

If you have doubts, ask someone with experience to review the contract or consult an expert. Some clauses might hide hidden costs or unfavorable conditions for tenants.

6. The neighborhood test

Many people overlook the importance of the surrounding area. A quiet neighborhood during the day might turn chaotic at night. Before signing, visit at different times to check:

• Noise levels in the evening
• Presence of nightclubs or heavy traffic
• Behavior of neighbors

📍 A simple walk around the neighborhood can prevent bad surprises and make your rental experience much smoother.

Find a safe home without stress with Habacus and Joivy

Choosing the right student housing is essential for a smooth university experience. That’s why Habacus partners with Joivy, offering carefully selected accommodation options for students.

Join the Habacus community to access safe and reliable housing solutions. Find the right home for you, without stress or surprises! 👇🏼