Advice for those Looking to Rent a Flat in London

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Finding a home in London is a difficult task, and with so many different types of properties, ways to rent, ways to search for property, knowing what to look for, and figuring out the rules, it may be overwhelming. To make things easier, you can seek professional assistance by contacting letting agents in Ilford.

As a renter, there are a few things you should be aware of, and some of the most significant factors to be aware of while searching properties to rent in East London are as follows:

Your annual wage should be 30 times more than the monthly rental cost as a rule of thumb.

If you’re looking for a property to rent in central London, you should compare the rent to your annual wage. This will vary depending on the agency and the landlord, but it’s an excellent starting point to remember. Or you want cheaper rent, you can opt to stay in America, at their mini London. The average rent in Phoenix, Arizona is more affordable than in London. Then, have a drive to Colorado and see their own version of London Bridge! Using this rental app will surely make the search of your home much easier and faster. 

The following charges are permissible under the Tenant Fee Act 2019

The first month’s rent is paid in advance.

Security Deposit for Tenants One week’s rent as a holding deposit Depending on the rental cost, 5 or 6 weeks

When a tenant requests an early termination, the landlord is required to pay a charge that does not exceed the landlord’s financial loss.

There is now a Zero Deposit Guarantee, which means you will not be required to pay a deposit up front and will instead be requested to pay one week’s rent plus a yearly admin fee.

Your deposit should be protected if you rent a flat under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy arrangement (AST). This will be different if you are renting a short-term property (i.e. anything under 6 months).

Make a financial plan

Transportation, housing, fuel and electricity, and recreation and culture are the top four categories of spending in England, according to the National Statistics Office. Londoners spend 41.1 percent of their annual salaries on rent, according to a BBC report from 2017, so you can see where your money is going.

As a result, the first step is to figure out how much rent you can pay each month, taking into account all of your other expenses. When contacting a rental company such as Rentberry, they will be able to assist you in figuring out all your expenses and finding the most affordable place for you.

 

Understand the jargons

In London, apartment sharing or house sharing is the most common method of renting. It’s the place where you share your home with other people, whether friends or strangers. You’ll almost probably be interviewed if you’re renting with strangers to see if you’ll fit in.

A modest flat is referred to as a maisonette. Maisonettes are available in a variety of layouts, but each has its own private entrance.

End of terrace, terraced, and semi-detached are terms used to denote houses rather than flats.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished – Depending on the level of furnishings, rental properties might be fully furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished. White goods such as a refrigerator/freezer and a washing machine are usually provided.

You can ask the landlord to equip a house with furniture such as a bed, closet, sofa, and dining room table if it is unfurnished. However, the landlord is not compelled to do so, and the strength of your offer will largely determine this.

Make a list of essentials

The following are some of the most crucial aspects. Make a list of things that are important to you to make your apartment hunting easier.

  • Commuting time.
  • Fully Furnished vs. Unfurnished
  • Walking distance from the tube/train station, bus stop, and stores.
  • The number of bedrooms and their sizes are listed below (e.g., do you require double rooms)
  • There are bathrooms available.
  • Parking
  • Pet-friendliness
  • Garden/outdoor space
  • Kitchen space and amenities

When going to see a flat, there are a few questions you should ask

What does the rent include, and how much does it cost? This should have been mentioned in the advertisement, but double-checking with the agent is always a smart idea.

Is it under the landlord’s or the agent’s control? Landlords have the option of finding a tenant on their own or entrusting the property to an agency, so you’ll know who to contact if issues develop.

Who is responsible for what? Depending on the form of an apartment, there may be shared areas to maintain, such as kitchens, gardens, courtyards, or hallways, so it’s crucial to know what you’ll be responsible for.

Is it required to repair something? If there are any issues, you can state as part of your offer that I would need x fixed before moving in.

Do dishwashers and washing machines operate in the kitchen? Because most rentals contain white goods, you should double-check that they are in working order and add them to the list of repairs if there are any issues. Inventory

The landlord or agent should provide you with an inventory (or check-in report) that you agree to before you move in. As a precaution, make sure you agree with any modifications and take pictures. If there is ever a dispute about the deposit at the end of the rental, this will make things much easier.