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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