More often that not, looking at student houses is a very unpleasant experience all round. Usually, you have to follow around a letting agent who tries to crack as many crap jokes as possible to break the ice.

Alternatively, you might be  forced to smile awkwardly at a girl sat on her bed in a onesie as you invade her personal space. However, do not let this put you off house hunting.

Provided by The Tab, here is an essential list of questions every student should ask before signing the all-important contract to rent a student house – questions I wish I had asked in bittersweet hindsight.

1. Do you get mould every time it rains?

On this occasion, the writing is on the wall

The last thing you want is to wake up one morning and scream because it looks like Shrek has shat all over your walls.

Ask tenants – not the letting agent; they will lie to you – whether they have ever experienced issues with expanding water pipes, mould, leaks or general rising damp.

2. Is all the furniture included?

£40 that could be better spent on FILLING the wardrobe

Even though it seems like an obvious question, make sure all the furniture and light fixtures you see in the house come with the property.

That cute cupboard in the corner of the room may turn out to be a loud, hissing, taking-the-piss boiler.

You do not want to live out of a suitcase for eight months or be forced to fork out £40 for a substandard fabric wardrobe from Argos.

3. Can I take some pictures?

To be honest, my flatmates and I were just downright rude and didn’t ask anyone’s permission when we started taking photos of student houses.

Be more courteous than we were and ask tenants if they would mind if you took a few photos of the property. When you sit down and discuss which house you want to move into next year, they will help jog your memory.

4. Are bills included?

F.Y.I, this does NOT count as hand sink

Note down information about rent, bills, deposits and additional fees for every house you visit.

You will forget otherwise. It makes it a lot easier when you discuss the pros and cons of each house, price-wise, later on.

5. Does wildlife manage to get into this house?

Despite slugs, New Look still think your feet are gorgeous

Does this question even need an explanation? Ask tenants whether they have experienced any pest issues: slugs, snails, frogs, toads, rats, hedgehogs, mice – you name it. If so, they will be more than willing to cry on your shoulder.

If no one is in, feel free to be nosey and check the back of kitchen cupboards and rear walls for smalls holes – and look out for slug trails by the back door, floors and windows.

6. Are the neighbours students?

WHO DOESN’T LIKE STEPS?

If you are not the type of student who comes staggering home, smashed, shouting at the top of their voice at 3am after a rough night at TP, then this does not particularly concern you.

If you are, make sure you ask this question. The last thing you want is your neighbours to come banging on your door complaining – and possibly threatening to call the Police.

6. Honestly, what’s the landlord like?

One elaborate way to meet new men

Every issue from dripping showers to a broken draw should warrant a swift response from the landlord.

Just a few days after complaining about stiff door handles to our letting agency, my flatmates’s door jammed and a group of firemen had to come rescue her.

It may seem trivial, but you want someone to be there to fix things if your house starts to fall apart.