There is a huge variation in the cost of living across the UK. London being the most expensive location, you can expect to pay anything from £200-£700 a month for rental accommodation and most landlords require a month’s rent plus a deposit/bond which is usually 4 weeks rent.
However the advantages of renting is that they are generally furnished rooms and provide some kitchen facilities. To save unnecessary stress, you will need a reference to give to your landlord and may want to consider asking the following questions:
- Find out if the property is furnished or whether you will have to provide any or some of your own furniture.
- What bills are included in the cost of the rent and what are counted as extra to avoid any confusion at a later date.
- Find out exactly how much landlords are charging per month as some advertisements mislead you by giving a weekly rate.
Additional charges you need to be aware of include:
- Council tax
- Water /sewage rates
- Gas
- Electricity
- TV licence
Accomodation information
Hostels
Generally a short-term accommodation solution, though many hostels welcome long term guests. Weekly rates range from £70 to £200, and some include breakfast.
B&B’s
B&B’s offer Bed & Breakfast accommodation for short to long term rental periods.
Sharing a Flat or House
Flatshares and houseshares are especially popular in citys and towns, and generally a good way to meet people. Rents can start at approx £55 per week, additional bills will include gas, electricity, phone, TV license, water and council tax.
Bedsit
This is invariably your cheapest option if you want to live alone. Bedsits are self-contained rooms with a small cooker and fridge, in a house where tenants share a bathroom. Hot water and gas will usually be included in the rent, while electricity is often paid through a coin meter (as in some flats). Rents vary from £100 to £150 per week.
Studios and One-Bedroom Flats
Studio and one-bedroom flats have become more affordable of late due to the buy-to-let boom in recent years. Landlords are finding it necessary to offer more competitive rentals to entice potential lodgers, giving tenants a distinct advantage. Despite this, location is everything and most Londoners end up sharing due to rental costs. Rents can start from £350 per month depending on the area, and a minimum rental period is usually required
Deposit
The deposit is usually four weeks or a months rent, though is illegal for a landlord to charge more than two months rent. If you have a formal arrangement with an agent or landlord, request that your deposit be placed into a savings account as you are entitled to the interest when the deposit is released. The full or part deposit can be retained by the landord if you have damaged accommodation with unacceptable levels of wear & tear.
Leases and Contracts
You may need to sign a lease, tenancy agreement or rental contract, which typically run for 6-12 months. Remember that whoever signs the lease is responsible for the accommodation, so make sure you read small print and understand what you are and are not responsible for. If can be difficult to get out of a contract before the agreed end of tenancy, though finding a replacement flatmate to take your place on the lease will help. Legal advice can be obtained free of charge from the Citizens Advice Bureau or tel: +44 (0)20 7385 1322.
Furnished / Unfurnished
Most rental apartments come furnished, though the furniture’s quality, state and style will vary massively. Unfurnished places are generally cheaper, but you can ask to have furniture added or removed depending on your needs. Discuss this with the agent or landlord.
Private Landlord or Property Agency?
You can rent direct from the landlord or go through a rental agent, who has been appointed by the landord to manage the property, maintenance and tenants. These Estate agents often charge a registration fee, but can also help you to negotiate a better rental deal. Be aware that it is illegal for a property or estate agent to charge you for looking around a property.
Some good websites and papers to search for accommodation (both for rentals and buying) are:
www.findaproperty.co.uk
www.propertyfinder.co.uk
www.fish4homes.co.uk
www.loot.com
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