Renting a flat can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are a first time renter. However there are plenty of letting agents available to help and many landlords choose to let their property in this way. You should look for an agent that specialises in the type of flat you're looking for because some will concentrate on city centre properties while others will offer flats in quieter suburban areas closer to the city outskirts. It's also worth taking a realistic look at your budget; allow for rent, food, travel expenses, clothes etc to calculate how much you can really affford to pay.

Finding the perfect flat
Many people who are looking for the perfect flat to rent fall into the trap of choosing the first suitable flat they view because they are worried they won't find another flat that meets all their criteria. Unfortunately if you don't do some background research about the general area you may find that the flat is less suitable than you first thought!

Once you have found a flat available that has everything you need at an affordable price, look at the facilities in the surrounding area; the availability of public transport, shops, schools (if you have children), parking facilities and services like doctors, dentists and banks. You should also research the crime rate for the area (local newspapers are a mine of information!) and note how many serious crimes have occurred in the last year or so. You may find the perfect flat but if it is in an undesirable area then it may be more trouble than it's worth.

The paperwork
If you rent through a reputable agent they will be familiar with all the paperwork that will need to be completed before you can take up occupancy. Considerable sums of money will be involved so make sure that you are ready for the next step. Read everything thoroughly paying particular attention to every clause and if in any doubt take legal advice before comitting yourself further.

Before any agreements are signed however, you will almost certainly be required to provide references; usually one from your employer, one from your regular bank and a personal reference--without these many landlords won't consider your application. In addition you may also be asked to consent to a credit check and provide evidence which shows you can pay the rent each month. Once these have been supplied and accepted you will then be asked to read through the Inventory of Contents and the Schedule of Condition which list the contents of the flat on the day of moving in and the overall condition of the property. Make sure you agree with what is stated as once you sign these you will be liable if anything disappears during your tenancy or if the condition of the property is deemed to be worse when you leave, than when you moved in. Any Security Deposit that you pay may be affected by any discrepancies at the end of the term so don't sign anything that you're not sure of.

Next you will be given the Tenancy Agreement to sign. This will probably be an assured shorthold tenancy agreement with either 6 or 12 month terms. If possible ask for a 6 month agreement in the first instance, just in case you decide after you move in that you don't really like the flat, the area or your neighbours. It is highly recommended that you read through the agreement and then get a friend or colleague to read it as well as you may miss some significant features in your excited state. It is important that you make a note of what is allowed and what isn't allowed as many tenancy agreements have clauses pertaining to noise levels, antisocial hours, pets, long term visitors and even parking places. Once this agreement has been signed, you will be expected to pay a Security Deposit which is generally between one and two months rent plus a month's rent before moving in.

The first weeks
One of the first things you must do when you move in to your newly rented flat is change all of the utility bills into your name so that you don't find yourself responsible for the last tenant's unpaid bills. You might also want to change the locks on the external doors so that you know exactly who has keys to your home. However if you do decide to do this, then you must remember to give a spare key to the letting agent or directly to the landlord. It would probably be a good idea to introduce yourself to your neighbours as well, especially when renting a flat because you all have to be considerate to each other's living spaces and ways of living. If you want to change anything in the flat or redecorate then you may have to ask for permission from your landlord. It should state in your tenancy agreement whether this is necessary.

Conclusion
Although it can take a few weeks from viewing a flat to actually moving in, it is often well worth the wait, especially if you have done your research and have found your perfect flat in a good area. Many people are now considering renting because the price of buying a flat is out of their price range. For others, flatsharing is a good way of spreading the cost of living amoungst more people and means that they can afford a larger flat. The idea of independent living with the company of friends can be very appealing.
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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 10 of 44 ads found )
08 May 2008
A stunning 2 double bedroom apartment in the heart of tooting. renovated to a high standard; the flat briefly comprises fully fitted kitchen, lounge/diner, wooden floors. a 30 second walk to the tube and shops. perfect for sharers. internal viewing recommended! do not miss out! .
£320
SW17
A wonderful 2 double bedroom apartment located in the hearts of docklands in the boardwalk development. the accommodation is moments away from variety of local shops, outgoing facilities, bus services, dlr links and the canary wharf. the apartment boasts excellent furnishing,. .
£380
E16
A one of a kind offer on this 2 bedroom apartment on the fourth floor located in a prestigious development moments away from transportation etc. the development boasts secured parking, 24hr concierge, gym, sauna, swimming pool and spa facilities. and a amazing view of river t. .
£475
E16
A brand new development just recently completed offering a 3 double bedroom apartment located moments away from dlr stations (royal victoria & custom house), bus services and city airport etc. the development also benefits from 24hr concierge and secure underground parking. .
£370
E16
A brand new development just recently completed offering a 2 double bedroom apartment located moments away from dlr stations (royal victoria & custom house), bus services and city airport etc. the development also benefits from 24hr concierge and secure underground parking. .
£350
E16
A brand new development just recently completed offering a 2 double bedroom apartment located moments away from dlr stations (royal victoria & custom house), bus services and city airport etc. the development also benefits from 24hr concierge and secure underground parking. .
£350
E16
A beautiful 2 bedroom apartment in the boardwalk development, the apartment is located moments away from transportation (dlr links & bus services), shops, restaurants & canary wharf. boardwalk development :- boasts itself in giving a breath taking view of river & do. .
£380
E16
07 May 2008
Chamberlain court b3 2es, set in financial quarter near new st & snowhill stations, offering fully furnished one bedroomed accomodation, inc. kitchen with washer/dryer, dishwasher, cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, balcony with excellent views, video intercom entry, fully a. .
£595
B5
05 May 2008
Apartment for rent in buenos aires argentina, per day, week, month in downtown, fully equipped included service of cleaning, air aconditioner, phone, tv cable, microwaves, refrigerator complete set of dishes, clothes of bed, and more visit our site .
NR17
04 May 2008
Price:us$178/night … near fengtai softball field … rating: quasi-three-star (2. 5star) … room: standard room guests allowed: 2 … click the web link see more pictures and more olympic accommodation http://www. shineinn. com/english/show. list. as. .
£100
N1
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