Visiting a kot well: the checklist

Around the Grand-Place, many kots are in old houses divided into several units. Hearing the neighbours through the wall, checking how the shower runs, seeing the shared kitchen in its usual state: no photo will tell you all that. A visit often lasts about twenty minutes: here is how to make the most of it.

Before the visit

Set the visit in the conversation. Once you agree on a time, the landlord confirms the visit on Kot à Mons: you find the date, the address and, if they share them, their contact details in "My visits", with a reminder the day before. If you can no longer come, cancel from the same page: the landlord can offer the slot to someone else.

Come accompanied if you can. Two people notice more details, dare to ask more questions, and compare their impressions on the way out.

Prepare your questions. Write them down beforehand, you will forget them on the spot. The list below is a good starting point.

Pick a telling time. A visit at the end of the day shows you the neighbourhood and the noise level at the time you will really live there.

On site: the checklist

The housing

Damp and mould: look at the corners of the walls, the bathroom ceiling, the back of the furniture and the bottom of the windows. A musty smell is a signal.
Heating: what type (gas, electric, central), can you adjust it in your room, does it work well?
Windows: single or double glazing. It changes the noise and the heating bill.
Noise: listen to the neighbouring rooms and the street. Sound insulation between rooms is the number one complaint of kot dwellers.
Hot water and pressure: turn on the shower tap.
Electricity: enough sockets near the desk and the bed, no chains of extension leads.
Safety: a smoke detector, a door that locks, decent lighting in the entrance.
Furniture: what is provided, and in what condition. Take photos.

The common areas

With how many people you share the kitchen, the bathroom, the toilet.
Their condition today: it is the best indicator of what they will be in three months.
Who cleans, how often, and whether it is included in the charges.
The extras: bike room, laundry, storage space, garden.

The real cost

What the charges cover: water, heating, electricity, internet, cleaning of the common areas.
Flat rate or provisions: with a flat rate, you pay a fixed amount; with provisions, there is a statement and sometimes a top-up at the end of the year. Ask for last year's real amounts.
The EPC certificate: it states the energy performance of the housing. A poor letter means high heating charges.
The costs at move-in: rental deposit, inspection report fee, possible application fee. Ask for the exact amounts.

The neighbourhood and the commute

Do the trip to your school, on foot or by public transport, before or after the visit.
Spot the shops and the nearest bus or tram stop.
Look at the street in the evening if you visit early: lighting, activity, noise from bars.

The terms

The duration of the lease and the possible move-in date.
How the deposit is set up and when it is returned.
The move-in inspection: is one planned, and who carries it out?
Domiciliation: can you register at this address if you need to?
The house rules: visitors, noise, pets, bikes in the corridor.

After the visit

Compare with a cool head. Write down right away what you liked and what bothered you: after three visits, the places blur together.

Answer fast if it is the one. Well located, well kept housing goes quickly, especially between May and September. Say so clearly to the landlord, and ask about the next steps.

Cancel the visits you no longer need. If you have found your housing, cancel your other visits from "My visits": one click is enough, and it frees the slot for other students.

Cannot visit on site?

If you are searching from abroad or from another city, ask for a video visit: the landlord walks you through the housing on a video call, and you can ask the same questions as on site. The checklist above still applies, just ask to see up close whatever worries you.