London

Free advice below!!

Once you had enough of youth hostels, you may want to consider a flat share or a house share. If you are planning to stay in London for a long term (from one to six months or more), it will be worth moving into a rented/leased long term accommodation.

Fortunately there is an abundance of places to rent in London, but be prepared to pay! Most places come fully furnished which is a bonus to those arriving with nothing but their clothes. Depending on what part of London you are in, the prices can vary, but the closer you get to Central London the more expensive it gets.

The cheapest option is invariably to rent a bedsit (no kitchen), which is often located in a house where tenants share a bathroom. Hot water and gas will usually be included in the rent, while electricity is often paid through a coin meter, as are some flats.

An alternative, is a room in a flat share or a house share. A typical situation is a group of friends that split renting costs, and may place an ad in the paper looking for one or more persons to share additional rooms in the house. Sharing is one of the best ways to meet people from all over the world.

Generally for the long term accommodation options you will be expected to pay a months rent in advance and also a security deposit, and there will also be a credit check or background check before signing the contract.

Long term contracts can be cheaper on weekly basis, but a lot of people want a more flexible option, so shorter terms can be more affordable.

As for any kind of situation, read the contract before you sign it. Find out about whether you will be liable for Council Tax, a rather high tax that most landlords invariably pass on to the tenants.

It is illegal for landlords to charge you more than one sixth (or two months) of the annual rent as a bond (deposit), but some may try. Check all amenities and what your rent covers, i.e. use of washing machine, TV, video, and what bills are included.

Most landlords will want to see references, like bank details, employment, references from hostels you've lived in.

You should also take an inventory of the furniture, utensils, as well as any damage that might be present before you moved in. Be sure to point out anything, preferably written down, to the landlord, so you won't get billed for it later on.

There are studios and one bedroom flats on offer but the prices can be prohibitive.