Finding the
Perfect House or Flat
by Tim Saunders
Wednesday,
4th February 2009
What should you look
for if you want to rent a house or flat with other sharers?
Is price the deciding
factor, is it the location or is it the property itself?
Looking for that
perfect house or flat can be a nerve-racking experience for
many of us. It’s not easy to find one that meets all your
needs. So, take the time to prepare and really understand
what you want and need before you embark on your flat hunt.
Prepare a checklist
If house or flat
sharing is definitely the way you want to go, brainstorm and decide
what you're really looking fore. Decide what’s really
important to you and what stuff you can
overlook. Below is an example of a checklist you
can use to help you stay focused.
|
Location ( quiet neighbourhood; easy access to
public transport) |
 |
|
Budget (under £150
a week) |
|
|
Not
more than 3 flatmates |
|
|
Garage/Parking |
|
|
Phone and Internet |
|
|
Gender |
|
|
Non
smoking |
|
|
Pets
allowed? |
|
|
Separate bathroom |
|
You may find a property that you like on the very first day
but remember it can take you several months, so be sure to
prepare well in advance. Remember to go through your
checklist and persevere because the house or flat you
eventually decide on needs to be the best one for you.
Where to go flat
hunting
- Newspapers: Search in the 'To Let' column in the
classifieds section of your local newspaper or you may
choose to place an ad stating your requirements
- Contact an agent: Remember here that you would be
required to pay a fee - usually about 1 week’s rent.
- Online portals dedicated to flat sharing or house
sharing: Some websites offer free listing while some may be
paid. Remember to check the website’s reputation and its
effectiveness. You can visit our
reviews page
to look
at some of our recommendations.
- Social network: Ask around the neighbourhood you’d
like to move in to or spread the word that you’re looking
for a place. Or check on Facebook,
MySpace or Friendster & find out if anyone's offering.
The Interview and Walkthrough
Once you’ve shortlisted
a few flats or houses that you like,
schedule appointments for an interview or a visit. During the meeting with your prospective flatmates,
ask all those questions pertaining to your needs and try to
erase any doubts you may have. It is also important that you
gel well with your flatmate and have a healthy rapport.
The interview is your chance to find out how compatible you
can be based on your personality and lifestyle.
If you’ve been invited
to visit the flat, take the time to check it
thoroughly. Pay particular attention to features and
facilities that are of importance to you. If there are items
missing or features not functioning like an electric
light bulb, bring it up at that point. Ensure that all
defects and damages will be taken care of before you decide
to move in.
Confirm that what
you’ve seen and heard from your potential flatmate is what
you’ll be getting. Ideally have all provisions put down in
writing which both of you should retain a copy of.
Confirmation and
legal obligations
Flat sharing is a
commitment and responsibility you’re entering into. Be very
sure of your decision. Find out if you have a co-tenancy,
sub-tenant or a boarder’s status within your arrangement. If
you’re not sure, visit this link
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/residential_tenancies.htm
to get an idea of what your status, rights and
responsibilities are.
When flat sharing, even
an oral agreement that you have with your flatmate can be
legally binding. However, it’s best to have a written
agreement in place which includes all provisions of
importance. In case of any dispute, have all your records
and documents organized and seek professional help.
Have clear
communication and expectations set right from the start. The
perfect house or flat should be the one you’re most
comfortable in, which fulfils your needs and requirements,
where you can be yourself, and where you can get on
with everyone else living there.
