Flat Sharing Info

FLAT SHARES IN THE UK

BEWARE OF SCAM ADVERTS! As with all adverts on the internet, please be mindful that not all of them will be genuine. On some websites, they may vet all subscribers to ensure they are genuine, but we cannot take this for granted. NEVER pay money without first seeing the room and always wait until you have a Landlord signed contract. WHAT TO EXPECT The first step would be to contact the advertisers either via email or telephone. Typically, you would be expected to give a brief description of yourself. Too much detail or personal information is not necessary. For example; “I am a 30-year-old professional from Spain recently arrived in London and looking for a flat share in your area….” On the actual viewing, be mindful that it is a type of interview and act accordingly. Of course, it is an opportunity for you to see the room and determine its suitability, but it is also an opportunity for the current sharers to see if you are someone they would like to live with. Therefore, it is very important to make a good impression. As most viewings for flat shares will happen outside normal business hours and current occupants are unlikely to accept a third-party relocation company accompanying you, you may want to ask a friend or a colleague to come with you for the viewing. Useful Questions to Ask at Viewing: + Have the current flatmates lived there long? + Why has the room become available? + What are the neighbours above/below like? + How are the bills split and what do they cover or include? + What is the notice period? + Can you see the space you will be given in the kitchen for food? + Is there a cleaner that you will be expected to contribute to? + What times in the morning is the bathroom usually in use? + Do they have a good relationship with their Landlord? (no need to ask this if a Live-in or ‘Occupier Landlord’) + Is the Landlord responsive when things break or need replacing? + Are you allowed to hang pictures on the walls? + Has there ever been a break in/burglary? + What happens if you or another flatmate decides to move out? Once You Have Secured the Room When you’ve decided the flat share is for you, you may be required to adhere to some of the following processes: + Pay the landlord/agent for changing names on the tenancy agreement plus any referencing fees (in the best-regulated cases – sometimes the current sharers sublet with no paperwork) + Undergo a personal referencing process + Pay the proportion of the security deposit originally paid by the person whose room you are taking + All named tenants signing a joint tenancy will be jointly and equally liable + Pay a share of the professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy agreement

© Dwellworks, LLC

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v. 2018