20 valuable tips for finding student housing – what to look for

On the eve of the new academic year, students enrolled in universities and their parents are beginning to actively look for housing.

Twenty tips that are expected to be particularly helpful when looking for student housing are provided by the Hellenic Real Estate Network E-Real Estates. Experts recommend first of all to stock up on patience and knowledge of the laws, which will help achieve the best results. They also urge tenants to be especially careful, sometimes contacting unreliable real estate agencies.

20 valuable tips when looking for student housing

1. Do not look for an apartment “on the threshold of the university.” This is a common mistake. A few streets or a couple of stops from the university there are many properties that can suit your needs and have better prices.

2. Avoid renting basements and attics, as well as apartments in very old houses.

3. Search for an apartment in an organized and targeted manner. Do not rush to stop at the first available option, especially if the cost of rent exceeds your financial capabilities. Perhaps, by continuing the search, you will turn up a more suitable option.

4. Always sign a contract with the landlord or his agent, and never make verbal agreements.

5. Don’t give a single euro to various so-called real estate consulting or service companies.

6. Don’t look at low-rent listings that require you to pay to view.

7. If you contact a real estate agency, make sure that it operates legally (has a license). The agent is entitled to receive a commission. Always ask what is the fee for his services. And only pay if you decide to rent the accommodation he recommended to you.

8. Before you decide to sign a contract, find out about utilities, house bills, and any other extra costs you will have to pay (besides rent).

9. Late payment of utilities is punishable by law, as well as arrears in paying rent (you can be evicted).

10. Pay attention to the location of the house and the surroundings (presence of a supermarket, banks, access to public transport, distance from the university campus, etc.).

11. Students looking for student accommodation in Northern Greece (Kastoria Florina, Kozani, etc.) should pay special attention to whether the apartment has central or independent heating, as monthly heating costs can reach +50% of the rental board.

12. At the conclusion of the contract, determine the “ceiling” of the increase in the cost of rent for the future (it increases every year). Insist on 10% -15%, no more!

13. A residential lease agreement is valid for at least three years.

14. If the term of the contract is set for a period of less than three years and there is no agreement to adjust the rent, its amount increases annually.

15. A fixed-term lease ends at the end of the contract period without any additional obligations. Although it can also be considered extended indefinitely and after a three-year period, if the tenant continues to use the premises, and the owner does not object.

16. The lease agreement (with a certain period) can be terminated. And terminated by notifying the owner or tenant.

17. Thoroughly inspect the home for damage and point it out to the owner so they can fix it immediately.

18. Rent is paid on the date agreed between owner and tenant.

19. Payment of a deposit is not the responsibility of the tenant (there is no such law). However, this is common practice. Deposit – the amount of rent for 1-2 months in advance.

20. Attention! From 01.01.2008 the duty (χαρτόσημο) for residential premises has been abolished.

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