Before you enquire · 08
What to check before signing for student accommodation
Check authority, the exact premises, payment details, funding records and written lease terms before committing to student accommodation.
Short answer
The short answer
Before you sign or pay, check who may offer the accommodation, the exact address, who receives the money and the full written terms. Check any institution or funder status through its current official source. When online enquiries are open, you can ask Gradhaven about accommodation, but an enquiry is not legal advice or proof that a property is valid.
Start here
Four things to check first
- Confirm the owner or authorised manager and the exact premises.
- Read the complete lease, fees, deposit, cancellation and refund terms.
- Match the payment recipient to the written agreement before sending money.
- Check any institution or funder status in the current official record.
What to know
Verify the parties and premises
A useful first check is whether the person or organisation offering the accommodation can show ownership or authority to manage the exact premises. Match names across the property evidence, written agreement and payment instructions. Confirm the full address and the specific room or occupancy arrangement described by the contract. A platform profile, message thread or enquiry receipt does not replace those records.
View the premises in person where possible, or arrange a live, consent-respecting walkthrough that shows the agreed areas without exposing current residents, documents or belongings. Record what was actually observed and what still depends on written confirmation. This is practical verification, not a guarantee against loss or dispute.
Read the money and exit terms together
The written agreement should make the contract party, payment recipient, lease dates, deposit, fees, included services, house rules, notice, cancellation, refund triggers and dispute contacts clear. Ask for clarification before signing if the payment instruction or summary conflicts with the full agreement. Keep a copy of the final version and proof of authorised payments.
Funding or accreditation questions need a separate official check. Use the current institution or funder source and match the exact property identity, scope and date. Do not infer the status of one property from another listing, an area page or a general provider statement.
Questions to answer
- Who owns the premises or has written authority to manage them?
- Does the contract identify the exact address and occupancy arrangement?
- Do the agreement and payment instructions name the same recipient?
- Are every fee, deposit, included service and refund condition written down?
- What are the start, end, notice and cancellation dates?
- Which access, visitor, maintenance and escalation rules form part of the agreement?
- If funding matters, which current official record names the exact property, and what current requirements apply?
- Which documents will each party retain after signing or payment?
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. If a term is unclear or the stakes require it, seek qualified advice before committing.
Your enquiry
What we ask for
We ask about your area, campus, study stage, timing, funding, monthly budget, transport, room preference and contact details. You can add a message. We also record the page where you started. An enquiry does not reserve or confirm a room.
Read the full privacy noticeSources
Sources for this guide
Reviewed on . These links open the public sources behind the guide. Gradhaven makes a property claim only when this page names the supporting record.
- Off-campus Housing | Cape Peninsula University of Technologyofficial institution
Official reminder that a private accommodation contract remains between the user and service provider.
Checked - Registering accommodation properties with NSFASofficial funder
Official funder information. Check the current property and student status before you commit.
Checked