The Safety Checklist: What Every Erasmus Student Should Know Before Signing a Lease
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Cozy and Secure Apartment: The Perfect Start to Your Erasmus Journey in Athens
Picture this:
You’re standing in your new apartment in Athens, ready to start your Erasmus adventure.
The city is buzzing, the opportunities are endless… and everything feels perfect—until it doesn’t.
Maybe the locks don’t work, the landlord is nowhere to be found… or you realize you’ve landed in a sketchy neighborhood!
This isn’t the dream Erasmus experience you signed up for.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.
By following a simple yet powerful safety checklist, you can avoid housing disasters and secure a place that’s safe, comfortable, and sets you up for success.
This isn’t just another “read-the-fine-print” lecture.
We’re offering real, actionable advice backed by real examples to ensure that you don’t just survive your Erasmus journey—you thrive.
Ready to make sure your apartment feels like a home and not a hazard?
Let’s dive in.
1. Know the Neighborhood: Your First Line of Defense
Not all neighborhoods are created equal.
A beautiful apartment in the wrong area can leave you feeling unsafe, especially if you’re new to the city.
How to Research Neighborhoods
Use Google Maps: Street views can reveal a lot.
Look for well-lit streets, active businesses, and signs of a welcoming community
Check Crime Rates: Search for crime statistics or reports for specific areas in Athens
Ask Around: Reach out to Erasmus groups or forums.
Other students can give you insider advice on the safest and most affordable neighborhoods
Example
A student once picked a cheap apartment in Omonia.
While convenient during the day, the area felt unsafe at night.
If they had asked around, they could’ve discovered neighborhoods like Sepolia or Pangrati, which offer affordability and a stronger sense of community.
Looking for student housing in Athens?
Explore our listings at Rooms Athens, where every property is vetted for safety, comfort, and convenience.
2. Verify the Landlord or Agency
Scammers are everywhere, and Erasmus students are easy targets.
Don’t let the excitement of a “great deal” blind you to red flags.
Red Flags to Watch For
The rent seems too cheap for the area
The landlord avoids in-person meetings or video calls
They pressure you to send money upfront before viewing the apartment
How to Verify
Check Reviews: If using an agency, look up online reviews
Request Documentation: A legitimate landlord should provide proof of ownership or their right to rent the property
Use Verified Platforms: Stick to trusted sources like Rooms Athens, where listings are directly managed
Example
One student wired money to a landlord for a “reservation” on a promising apartment.
When they arrived in Athens, the apartment didn’t even exist!
Avoid this by insisting on a live walkthrough, either in person or via video call.
3. Inspect Security Features
An Instagram-worthy apartment is useless if it compromises your safety.
Checklist for Apartment Security
Locks: Check that the main door and windows have sturdy, functional locks
Lighting: Ensure entrances and hallways are well-lit—dim areas invite trouble
Building Access: Look for secure entry systems like keypads, intercoms, or guarded entrances
Example
A tenant ignored the broken lock on their main door, assuming it would be fixed later.
It wasn’t, and they experienced a burglary.
Always verify security features during your viewing or get written confirmation that repairs will be completed before move-in.
4. Understand the Lease Terms
The fine print matters more than you think. A poorly understood lease can trap you in a bad situation.
Key Lease Points to Understand
Deposit Terms: Clarify how and when you’ll get your deposit back
Notice Period: Ensure the required notice for moving out aligns with your plans
Maintenance Responsibilities: Know who’s responsible for repairs—landlord or tenant?
Example
One Erasmus student signed a lease without noticing the landlord required six months’ notice to terminate.
They ended up paying for an empty apartment after they moved out!
Take the time to read the lease or have a trusted advisor review it with you.
5. Check for Basic Amenities and Functionality
Even the prettiest apartment can hide functional nightmares.
What to Test During the Viewing
Electricity: Test the lights and all electrical outlets
Plumbing: Run water taps and flush toilets to ensure proper water pressure
Heating/Cooling: Test the air conditioning and heating systems—don’t wait until extreme weather hits
Example
A student moved into a “perfect” apartment in summer, only to discover the heating was broken when winter arrived.
Always test all systems before signing a lease.
6. Ask About Emergency Protocols
What’s the plan if something goes wrong?
Knowing how emergencies are handled will save you stress.
Questions to Ask
Is there a 24/7 contact for emergencies?
How quickly does the landlord respond to issues?
Are there clear instructions for urgent repairs?
Example
A burst pipe on a Saturday ruined one student’s weekend because the landlord wasn’t reachable until Monday.
In contrast, tenants with Rooms Athens get access to responsive support teams for prompt help.
7. Inspect for Safety Hazards
Look past the aesthetics and check for potential risks.
Safety Checklist
Structural Issues: Check for cracks in walls or ceilings
Mold: Look for damp spots in bathrooms and kitchens
Fire Safety: Ensure there are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Example
One tenant ignored small spots of mold during the viewing, which later caused severe allergies.
Inspect carefully to avoid health issues.
8. Discuss Privacy and House Rules
If you’re sharing an apartment, clarify expectations upfront.
Topics to Cover
Quiet hours
Rules on overnight guests
How shared expenses (e.g., utilities) are handled
Example
A student was asked to leave their shared apartment after repeatedly breaking rules they hadn’t been informed of.
Clear communication at the start avoids headaches later.
9. Know the Public Transport Situation
Even the safest apartment isn’t ideal if you can’t get anywhere easily.
How to Evaluate Location
Check proximity to metro, bus, or tram stops
Factor in travel time to your university and the city center
Example
A student chose a cheap apartment far from public transport, spending hours commuting.
Pay a little more for convenience—it’s worth it.
10. Protect Yourself Legally
If something feels off, consult a local expert or lawyer.
It’s better to spend a little now than lose a lot later.
Tips
Never sign a lease you don’t fully understand
Get verbal promises from landlords in writing
Final Thoughts: Don’t Take Risks with Your Safety
Your Erasmus experience should be about adventures, friendships, and growth—not housing nightmares.
At Rooms Athens, we’ve taken the stress out of finding safe, comfortable student housing.
If you found this checklist helpful, why not check out our listings?
We’ve already done the hard work to ensure our properties meet the highest safety standards, so you can focus on enjoying Athens.
Your safety and peace of mind are worth it. Don’t settle for less!
