Shared Flats - Setting Up Your Own
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To establish your own flat you will need to sign a lease and pay an often substantial deposit to the landlord. Many landlords will insist on references, bank details, and proof of employment.
Note that if your name is on the lease (either solely or jointly), you are solely or jointly responsible for ensuring that the terms of the tenancy are met and that the flat is looked after. Make sure that the people you are establishing the flat with or who join the flat later realise this. Many a friendship or relationship has come to grief in London because of tenancy matters and disputes over rent or property.
Our Recommended Partner Accommodationlondon own and operate over 300 apartments - many in popular in northwest London (Zone 2) and all within a few minutes' walking distance to Queens Park or Willesden Green tube stations.
For the past fifteen years Accommodationlondon have specialised in providing accommodation for working holidaymakers. The accommodation varies from newly developed studio apartments to shared Antipodean houses.
Long term rental rates are from £70 to £90 per person per week. Studio apartments from £70 to £95 per person per week & that usually includes council tax and water rates. Short term rates vary from £20 to £25 per night.
A WARNING - Not all landlords follow the tenancy laws as scrupulously as Accommodationlondon. Some of Britain's landlords are unscrupulous bastards, particularly where travellers are involved. It is essential that you read through any documentation carefully and ask the usual questions. Take note of any fixtures and fittings in the flat and any damage evident before you move in. If you are unsure, seek advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau. Crucially, always insist on receipts for bonds paid, take copies of anything you sign, an inventory listing, and full contact details for the landlord (including after hours).
Once you've moved in, make sure that you contact the electricity and gas suppliers, and the local London Borough so that your name can be put on the bills. Many new tenants get caught out with bills incurred by previous tenants, and sometimes these need to be paid before the utilities will be turned on.
Council Tax is levied on each property for services provided by the local London Borough Council. Ask your landlord if the rent includes this figure or not. If not, contact your local Council Tax office to arrange payment. Council Tax can vary from area to area, but it is an offence to not pay the due amount.
A word on dossers. We've all had the experience of freeloaders staying at our flats on the understanding that it'd be "just for a week or two" and then finding that they have become fixtures, generally eating your food and creating a mess. Don't let it happen to you - make sure that if you accept dossers (who are normally a friend of a second cousin at best anyway), that they pay their way (it is common to charge £5-£10 per night), keep things tidy, and understand that their stay is for a fixed period only. Of course it is part of the London experience to be able to doss with friends or relatives until you get on your own two feet, but a large number of travellers have made moving around London and freeloading an art form. You have been warned!
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