Tenancy review for 6 Mill Street in Bulk, Lancaster rented via Student Housing Lancaster

Agency rating: 6

The online listing is incorrect stating things like there being a wash basin in each room which is wrong, so do look at the photos and the house itself. The price has risen significantly since I lived there (£95 a week), and while the house was lovely the distance from university means I argue whether it is value for money anymore. Student Housing Lancaster were fairly helpful with issues such as our boiler breaking and someone was usually sent within a day or two (after suggesting we look on youtube how to fix it no less!). Gareth was generally helpful with everything, and paying rent was easy - however they are not accredited by the LU Homes scheme so do note you are liable to another person's rent if their guarantor does not pay. If you are late with your rent there will be significant charges, but if up to date there is nothing to worry about. We got full deposits back (kept in an a deposit protection scheme) after keeping the house in good condition, but cleaning charges are high if you leave it in a state.
When we were unfortunately broken into they sent someone round the next morning and sorted all the repairs promptly without charging us for the damage.

Property rating: 9

Great house, completely new when I lived there with very large rooms and a moderate living room. Individual locking doors too. The decor is modern, and the fold away table means you can use the space easily. Large TV. Lovely little kitchen with all new appliances, and plenty of fridge/freezer/cupboard space. Includes a large washer/dryer. Bedroom wise: the mattresses are cheap as you'd expect for a student house, but the beds are king size so very spacious. Also included is a white wardrobe, 3 draw-dresser, small mirror, and bed side table. The bedroom desks are big and glass topped, but are fixed to the wall though so you can't rearrange the furniture. The ground floor room I recommend net curtains so you are able to let the light in without losing privacy. Very big master bedroom which is significantly larger than most student houses. Bathroom comfortable with a shower with good pressure over a bath, and the extra toilet perfectly functional. The owner does ask you spray a mould cleaner provided. There are issues with damp in the bathroom, even with the fan on 24/7 and the window open the moisture leaves large wet patches on the walls after use. These do dry up though, but caused change in paint colour and some colour to come off the walls. (Just head in the basement for paint to touch up any marks!) FREE on-street parking outside the house.
The Google Maps picture is wrong, it shows Wolsey street which Mill Street is parallel to.

Area rating: 4

The walk we were originally taken on to show the house is the long route round that realistically once you'd moved in you never used. The quickest route into town is over the canal in a very dodgy area which I did feel uncomfortable being alone down, do walk this yourself to experience the true area. Equally the alley round the back of the house is not the nicest but you just put the bins there. The Lancaster Bus Station is 15 minutes away so expect a commute to Lancaster Uni of around an hour. Good links to Sainsburys as this is on the way home, corner shop next door useful too for the odd item. Centre of town is approximately 15-20 minutes too, depending on your route. Sugarhouse is 5-10 minutes away. You are living in a residential area so you will be the minority as students, be mindful of screaming children on their way to school!