Finding a Good Place.

Before I first moved in to London, I made a list of the areas I could afford to live in. As I was new in town, I went to the areas within my budget to look around and get a feel for it. This is a great way to whittle down potential areas.

1.     Do your research What´s the neighbourhood like? Who will my new neighbours be? What are the local transport options and what zone am I in for my travelcard? Spend plenty of time investigating the area.     

2.   Use the whole rental market Use loot and gumtree for private landlord and management agencies in the areas you want to live.     FairRenting.com is a good place to start. The more people we get using the site, the more useful it will become.  

3.  Take time viewing properties  Does it have parking, central heating, a flush toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, decent fridge and freezer? What is the shower like? Are the windows in good condition and do they give natural light? Is the landlord around a lot? Does the property need redecoration or repair before moving in? MAKE A CHECK LIST.  

4. Choose Flatmates Carefully. If renting with others, choose carefully who shares your accommodation. Little things can make the difference between harmony and torment. Money is the most common cause of dispute. Make sure a budget is worked out and how bills will be paid.  

5.  Haggle over Price Make an offer below the rent being asked for. Typically it is possible to get a discount of around £20 per month or £5 per week, or maybe even more. It doesn't sound much but every pound saved is a pound in your pocket.    

6.  Make sure direct debits or payments are set up properly. If tenants fulfill their end of the contract, landlords will have no excuse not to comply with theirs. Getting all the finances sorted properly and having the deposit, first months rent and subsequent rent arrive on time will mean that you are immediately onside with the people needed if the plumbing goes or a new oven is needed  

7.  Do a full inventory. At the start do a full inventory to avoid any misunderstanding later on and having money taken from a deposit. In the first few days of moving in, take a note of all or any problems and let the agent or landlord know immediately. Preferably in letter form or email, then both parties have a copy if anything goes wrong. It's a time consuming affair but it's seriously worth it in the end.  

8. Tenants can notify the agent or landlord if there are problems.  Landlords are not psychic. Don't be shy in reporting problems, having utilities repaired at no cost is one of the privileges of being a tenant.  A good landlord will also appreciate knowing if something needs doing - after all, it's their investment.  

9.  Don't allow deposits to go easily. It shouldn't happen but it does. By law landlords must prove the exact cost of every deduction. Do not be fobbed off and do not be fooled by bluster.