Finding a place
From where to look to viewing a place, TheSite.org unravels the mysterious world of renting.
Where to start looking
There are countless ways to search for a suitable place, so try not to limit yourself to one line of enquiry. Here are six of the best.
- Personal contacts
Telling friends, family and work colleagues that you're looking for a place to live will increase your chances of finding somewhere decent. Why? Because you can trust them to be honest, and they may know of forthcoming vacancies that have yet to be advertised. - Local newspapers/magazines
These often have a daily or weekly section on rented accommodation and flat shares. Copies will be available in libraries. Aim to pick up an early edition, however, as the good stuff can go quickly. As a rule of thumb, anything described as a 'luxury penthouse' that is still available after a couple of days in the paper probably isn't all that it seems. More accurate keywords may well turn out to be 'over', 'flat' and 'kebab shop'. - Shop windows/notice boards
Try notice boards in community centres, libraries or bookshops as well as newsagents. If possible, check the date the advert was put up otherwise the place may have already been let. - Letting agencies
These can be estate agents which have a lettings section or accommodation agencies. They may charge you for certain services. Some ask for a week's rent for finding the accommodation. Other agencies only charge the landlord. Before accepting accommodation, ask the agency if they charge for: finding a place; giving you a tenancy agreement and inventory; collecting the rent; or issuing another fixed term agreement.
You can find agencies that do not charge tenants. It is unlawful for a letting agency to charge you a fee unless you accept accommodation from them. They can charge for administration costs such as phone calls and postage. But they cannot charge you for taking your details or giving you a list of addresses. If you are wrongly charged you should contact the council that has the power to prosecute. You can get details of letting agencies from advice centres and 'Yellow Pages'.* You cannot get money from the social fund to pay for accommodation agency charges.
- Advice centres/day centres/accommodation registers
These may keep a list of local private landlords or letting agents. They may have been contacted directly by landlords with property to let. - Placing your own advert
Try an advert in a paper or a shop saying what type of rented place you are looking for and how much rent you can afford.
Following up on a lead
Think about what kind of accommodation you can afford and are prepared to accept. Consider whether you want central heating, a telephone, a garden, flat mates, a resident landlord, pets, a basement flat, a flat on an estate, somewhere near to public transport, a place near shops and so on.
Try to ask as much as you can about the place over the phone to get an idea whether it is worth viewing. You could have a map by the phone to check the address. Don't promise anything until you've seen it.
Looking around a place
Check to see that the accommodation is secure and that the heating, lighting and plumbing are in working order. Look at the condition of the furniture and note any disrepair in the property.
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
