How can I rent a flat in central London?

Posted by homehouseestates on February 14th, 2014

Renting even just a small flat can be a daunting task, whether you are renting for the first time or even as an experienced tenant. When looking for a property to rent on a short term or a long term basis, it is important that you set your own requirements so you won't have to settle for a small, overpriced, unfurnished unit that doesn't even have space for parking your Mini. Some important things that you should decide on before starting your search include the location, your flat, house, room, or studio preference, the period of tenancy that you require, the number of bedrooms, bath and reception areas, and whether or not you want a fully furnished apartment, off-street parking, or a small garden or backyard space amidst the sprawling city.

It is also best to set a manageable budget for yourself and discuss with your letting agent or your prospect landlord a reasonable payment scheme so you won't ever have trouble with your monthly dues. You can agree on a weekly rental or a monthly rate and even get discounted rates when paying advances. Resist getting an offer that is beyond your budget or that costs more than you can comfortably afford. This way, you can manage your expenses well. This is especially true when renting a flat on your own for the first time.

You can check out average rates on rental websites to get an idea of how much you will be spending on average for a certain type of rental. You might also want to factor in other related expenses when doing your rental budget, like insurance for your house contents and personal belonging, council tax, utilities and other bills, service charges (when renting a serviced apartment), the deposit, and removal costs.

Location is another prime consideration when renting a flat, especially in the central London area. Prioritising places that are most important to you such as the university, the business district, and other local amenities is important when you do your search. Accessibility to public transport, neighbours, restaurants, gas stations, friends, and relatives, is also a good consideration, as well as the crime rate in the area and other safety issues. Finding an ideal location for your rental is not hard when you know exactly what kind of neighbourhood or community you want to live in.

About The Author:

This article is written by Katy Charlton, who is associated with Homehouseestates. Home House Estates is central London real estate and letting agents specialising in residential property for sales, lettings and investment. They have been providing high class, beautifully furnished central London houses for 75 years and have a good experience as a real estate and letting agent.