Red flags to look out for when house hunting in Manchester

House hunting in Manchester is a bit like online dating—what looks great at first can quickly turn into a nightmare that has you lying awake at 3am, wondering where it all went wrong. Whether you’re a seasoned renter or a first-timer, securing your perfect student home is rarely smooth sailing. From damp walls to dodgy landlords, here are the biggest red flags to spot before you sign on the dotted line.

The mystery landlord

A friendly, reliable landlord is like gold dust. If yours is already ignoring your emails or being suspiciously vague, consider it a preview of what’s to come. If they’re unhelpful now, imagine how they’ll respond when your heating breaks in winter.

Location

Cheap rent is great until you’re paying it back in Uber fares. Before committing, check your future home is near places you prioritise—for example bus stops, supermarkets or, if you’re inclined, 256. A bargain flat in the middle of nowhere quickly loses its charm when your 9am lecture requires a pre-dawn trek.

Mould: The uninvited housemate

Although Manchester’s weather is damp, your house shouldn’t be. When going to a viewing, look for signs of black spots, peeling wallpaper and that funky wet smell. If the house doubles as a science experiment, keep looking.

Room size

Don’t let the wide-angle photos fool you. What looks like a spacious room online might barely fit your bed, let alone belongings. Always visit in person and take pictures to look at later. Unless you’re fine living it up Harry Potter style, don’t settle for a glorified broom cupboard.

One hob, eight people

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Kitchens can make or break a house share. If you spot one hob, no fridge space, and a microwave that’s seen better days, rethink your choice. Also, ask the landlord if the kitchen equipment comes with the house, or you might risk having to fork out for your own.

Noise

Imagine trying to study while drunks from the pub next door belt out Wonderwall every Friday night. Unless drunk singalongs are your kind of white noise, avoid the headache by checking beforehand that you’re not sharing a wall with a pub or club.

Money, money, money

When it comes to money, transparency is key. Ensure your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme and ask about bills—“all inclusive and unlimited” sounds dreamy until you realise it’s part of an overpriced package. Also, check if you’ll be paying reduced or full rent over summer. Nobody wants to fork out for a flat they’re not living in.

Current tenants = future you

The current tenants are your crystal ball into what living there will be like. If possible, ask them about the landlord, property, and overall vibe. A quick chat could save you a world of regret later.

The Manchester student housing market moves fairly fast. The best and biggest properties often go early, so it’s best to start your search ASAP. However, don’t let panic make you overlook the warning signs above—your future self will thank you. Think about your budget, lifestyle, and priorities (uni? pub? both?) and you’ll find the perfect spot to call home.