House Hunting Advice

*Disclaimer - angry, grumpy girl rant in progress.

Big Enough To Fit A Bed?

I've been looking for a flat in London for the last few weeks before I start University again at the end of the month. I can safely say that dealing with estate agents has been a serious eye opener. Before anyone says it, yes, I'm sure that somewhere in the world there's an honest estate agent that has your best interests at heart, I just have yet to find one.

After much searching I decided on the area that I want to live in London and started approaching estate agents in the area. I gave them my monthly budget and set off into a dark journey that has really made me truly dislike the people that work in these agencies. 

Probably somewhat naively, I thought that using an estate agent to find a suitable place would make it really easy. Realistically, it made it so much more stressful purely because coincidence or not, every agency I dealt with were essentially complete cowboys!

After speaking to the first agent, he said he would show me a few places within budget no problem and that he had plenty of suitable properties. Before setting off I asked him the price of each - All except one were NOT within my budget. His excuse was that they would really be worth the extra £10/£20 a week - They weren't. I found a property I liked and tried to negotiate a price. I was told that in order to put a bid on the property (propose the price you are willing to pay monthly), that I would have to pay a deposit of two weeks’ rent, just for the agent to ask the landlord if he will accept the price you have bid.

Annoyed with the last guy for wasting my time, I tried another agency. I viewed a flat that I thought was perfect – It was within budget, nice, close to the tube station - great! When it came to asking the dreaded cost of the agency fees I was told that the agency fee is £180 and £100 + VAT for a reference check per person moving in! Now as if him saying '+ VAT' wasn't bloody suspicious enough - £120 for a reference check? No chance. 

I just cannot comprehend how there are no regulations on these agencies that are so well renowned for robbing people blind just because they can! I haven't been silly or unaware of the right questions to ask, there's just no way around these costs as they won't budge and you need somewhere, so you've no other options. 

Tips For House Hunting in London

Be Realistic

Money doesn't go very far in terms of renting in London so don't expect to get a flashy apartment at a bargain price! 

Negotiate 

Even if you think they won't budge on price, it's worth asking as there's nothing to lose!

If it looks too good to be true - it is!

Often when you look on sites like Gumtree for flats, people lie and put up photos that do not even slightly represent the reality of the room/apartment.

Don't be rushed

Don't let anyone hurry your decision, if they say someone else is going to take the property if you don't - let them. In my experience, these guys are great at pressure selling and flogging lies in a friendly, believable tone. 

Read it Right

When you've been given a license agreement make sure you sit down and read it and have someone else re-read it for you so you don't miss anything. Make sure there’s no shady wording or small print that locks you into a contract that you can't get out of. I know there can be multiple pages but take your time and read it slowly. If you are uncomfortable with any of the wording on the contract ask them to change it and reprint a license. 

Living with Friends

Make sure that you have a separate contract to the people you live with if you live in a shared house, otherwise if they suddenly move out you'll get lumped with their rent.

Ask Questions

I know that sounds silly but if you're unsure, do ask. Just like anything, people working in the letting sector use different terminology to make something simple sound better – Also, agencies are there as a service for you and given you’re paying them so much for this service, you should get all the info you can!

Receipts

Get one for EVERYTHING! If you pay a penny, make sure you get a receipt. If they charge you for anything including external company costs, for example, a reference check or any bills make sure they give you a receipt from the company and not their own one.

Get Your Deposit Back

Make sure that before you move in the landlord or agency write up an inventory of the property for you including pictures and details of any damage that was there prior to you moving in. Nothing is too small to report be it a tea stain or a spot on the carpet, make sure they have noted that it wasn't you - otherwise, bye bye deposit. Being ripped off triggers the same part of the brain as pain, so don't give them a chance to catch you out.

Narrow Down Your Search

• Have a budget worked out and don't forget to add bills/internet/council tax
• Don't be dragged to somewhere out of your price range because an agent thinks it's worth it for you. Stick to your guns. 
• 'Cosy', 'cute', 'airy' = Not fit for human.
• If someone specifies that they want a cute Croatian 20 year old...just don't. 
• If someone specifies that they would prefer a clean, gay, vegan, quiet, like minded person who can stand on their head and goes to pilates four times a week, they're probably a pain!
• Don't pay any money until you've been to the property and feel 100% comfortable with it.

Happy Hunting!