I know some friends who've been moving into private accommodation this last month. After being lucky enough to benefit from the halls of residence that the UoB offer, it's no small task to figure out the game of renting rooms, flats or houses. Having lived in Luton and rented over the last 4 years, I've had the good, the bad and the ugly, but yeah usually the ugly.
Firstly with going through a property agency or a private landlord, renting is NEVER going to be easy, and you will always get surprises and expenses thrown your way, but here are a few things to remember that will make it a little easier.
Don't forget your deposit, which could be 1 month's rent or up to 1 and 1/2 month's rent. When renting your deposit is required by law to go into a rent deposit scheme which cannot be touched unless agreed upon by both parties. If going through a private landlord then they may not offer this, so it's up to you if you are comfortable with that setup, but the law is there to protect you should you encounter problems when leaving, differences of opinion on property damages, responsibilities, or general landlord's that sometimes don't communicate and take matters into their own hands. I have learned however that you will never get 100% back, so bear that in mind.
If going through a property agency, this usually incurs an extra charge. I'm still baffled as to why! Something about credit checks and administration, which can make up to £150 per person but some as low as £50 - just remember cheap isn't always a bargain, you'll often end up paying for it later. Some only ask for this initial charge once at the beginning of your tenancy, others charge it to renew or on an annual basis.
When renting a room in a shared house, this will usually include all water, gas and electric bills, and sometimes an internet connection. Shared house renting has it's perks but also it's downsides and personally I hated it, but then if you're living with friends it could be fun (if you remain friends!). When renting studios, flats and houses, it's generally up to the occupying to pay for all utilities and even the installation charge of internet. Council Tax is free but you'll have to get the necessary paperwork from SiD down the the Town Hall to get it setup otherwise you'll get bills soon enough.
If I tell you anything, I will HIGHLY recommend getting a really, really good look at the whole property, in the cupboards, in the drainage, check all the plumbing works, and watch out for mould which can get out of control in the winter due to lack to ventilation and humidity. I once had a property that was pretty much built of marsh land so when the windows were closed it was like a rainforest inside! For health reasons you should always keep the air flowing but in the dead of winter this is a real issue as you don't want to pay for extra heat with open windows because that's what the landlord says will sort it! If you see something that you've decided should be sorted before moving in (like a new mattress, or a fixed window) have them do it BEFORE moving in. It's a great incentive for property owners as they know they will get a tenant once it's done, and is so frustrating to be waiting for something weeks into a tenancy, which so often happens.
Any questions, please leave a message below in the comments!
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