Finding a student house

There are few things as satisfying as putting a deposit down on a house. After battling through the smorgasbord of showings, landlords and contract negotiations, the property is, to all intents and purposes, yours.

The search for a student house may be painful, but it's worth holding out until you find a place that's right for you, says Alex Clifford, welfare officer at Keele University student union. Having a house which is too far away from campus, too expensive – student accommodation has risen by 25% in three years – or one which does not suit your needs can impact on your health, degree and wellbeing.

Most students are first-time house hunters and unfortunately there are landlords who will exploit their naivety. It's not hard to find someone who has experienced nightmare accommodation.

Monika, a student at Keele University, developed allergies while living in a damp, mouldy house with poor insulation and a slug-infested bathroom. Her landlord cared more about increasing her rent than maintaining the property.

John, a former Stirling student, recalls living with a leaking gas boiler in his student house. A single spark could have lit the gas.

They're not the only ones who've had problems with their student accommodation. After asking university friends about their housing through Facebook, I was flooded with reports of horror stories: gaping holes in bedrooms that let cold air in, slugs, rats, poor insulation, damp and mould.

One thing that everybody complained about: their landlords either ignored or refused to deal with their requests. Andrew, a former Keele student, was ejected by his landlord after calling housing standards, a council team that makes sure private accommodation is up to scratch. His landlord had not dealt with a leaky pipe, faulty boiler or damp.

But don't be disheartened, there are landlords who care about your welfare, maintain the house and charge reasonable prices. Living in a student house is a great way to gain independence and explore the world outside your university.

Although there is no guaranteed way to find the perfect house here are some pointers, created with the help of Clifford.

It does not matter how silly your question may be – ask. Where is the nearest bus station, shop, or supermarket? Is the house fully furnished? What date does my tenancy begin and end? What happens if a housemate leaves university? Am I allowed posters or pets? Is there anywhere to park cars or store bicycles? Is the property reasonably secure? If the current tenants are there ask them some questions – they may be more truthful than the landlord.

Is there a dishwasher, clothes dryer, washing machine, shower, garden, television? Does the house come with a fridge and freezer – and how big are they?

Make sure you are 100% clear on this when you sign the contract. Every house comes with different terms and conditions. Make sure you know whether your property comes with gas, electric, water or internet. A contract that states "all bills included" may not include internet.

Senator Ann Rest hopes passing one of her bills would lower the overall sales tax from 6.8 percent to six percent or lower. The bills will get their first hearings in the Senate tax reform committee on Wednesday.

"Why should you pay a sales tax for a washing machine but not a sweater," said Senator Rest. "We're trying to broaden the tax base and make it fairer to everyone. Lower the rate for everyone."

This isn't the first time Senator Rest has introduced such legislation without much success. As stand-alone bills, they don't have much of a chance of passing, but if one of them makes it into an overall tax reform bill, there's a good chance it could become law.