London

[Dear Wendy]

I might be moving to London after the summer.
Anyone care to tell me how flat/house/room contracts work?
Should I be looking for a place now and secure it for then, or is it a matter of finding a place up for rental and moving in immediately? Are the contracts usually on a monthly basis or on a yearly basis, as it is up here for students?

Any tips/advice/anything really, would be greatly appreciated!

[twisted_trinity]

you have to normally put down a months rent in advance and then a damage deposit which is normally another months rent.

its best if you can move in within about 2 weeks of finding somewhere, someplaces will be available straight away, others may not be available for a month...but be prepared to move in quickly.

Contracts for normally first for 6 months, and then can be renewed on a yearly basis, and you must give a months notice when you want to leave.

Gumtree is a good place to look, but beware of scams because there are a few going around.

[piccolo]

I tend to get annual contracts with a 6-month break clause, mostly because I'm a student, though. But they are pretty standard. You can often find house shares on findaproperty.com, which are about 1/3 of the price of a 1-bedroom flat (even studios are often expensive).

You can find something at very short notice usually, I've had estate agents advise me not to even look until 3 weeks before I need to move. You need to be prepared to put 4-6 weeks' rent down as a deposit (and ask if they are putting it in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which protects you) as well as 1 calendar month in advance.

As TT says, there are a lot of scams on sites like Gumtree, so if anyone demands "proof that you can pay" before a viewing, rather than references or guarantors when you sign the contract, run a mile.

Good luck!

[g_angel]

I might be moving to London after the summer.
Anyone care to tell me how flat/house/room contracts work?
Should I be looking for a place now and secure it for then, or is it a matter of finding a place up for rental and moving in immediately? Are the contracts usually on a monthly basis or on a yearly basis, as it is up here for students?

Any tips/advice/anything really, would be greatly appreciated!

You will rarely (if ever) find a property that you are able to secure well in advance, unless you are moving into Student accommodation. You will most likely find property available anywhere from immediately through to 4 weeks, less often up to 6-8 weeks. Allow yourself plenty of viewing time as there is a lot of rubbish out there and estate agents are very skilled in making things look a lot nicer/bigger than they are. London is vast, and many areas are less than desirable - make sure you ask plenty of questions to people you might know in London.

For example:

My new place (http://www.weremoving.co.uk/property.aspx?prop=0&minp=300&bedr=1&typ=2&fr=0&fs=0&str=talbot%20road&os=0&sl=0&wa=0&cryuid=1&propuid=549&pag=0&ctyuid=1&maxp=350&ex=0)

This is actually as nice as it looks, but it looks massive on the pictures. It's certainly not small, but definitely doesn't have the space it seems to in the pictures. I found that with approximately 3 weeks until it becomes available (and it had only just been advertised. It was sourced on thegumtree through an estate agent), with 6 weeks in advance for deposit, one calendar month in advance for rent. Check what the agent's fees are as some are extortionate.

As suggested, check out www.thegumtree.com as I have found all of the properties I have lived in for the last 5 years on there.

Contracts are generally as piccolo states. Yearly, with a 6 month break clause. One calendar month rent in advance and between 4 and 6 weeks rent down as a deposit.

[budda]

I wouldnt start looking for an actual flat till about a month beforehand, but I would start looking at areas to help you narrow down your search.

Being near-ish two tube lines is worth aiming for because then if one is down you can still get around.

[g_angel]

I wouldnt start looking for an actual flat till about a month beforehand, but I would start looking at areas to help you narrow down your search.

Being near-ish two tube lines is worth aiming for because then if one is down you can still get around.

Agreed.

Narrow down the areas you want to live. This is most likely going to have to be a compromise between cost (as the prices vary wildly)/location (due to the previously mentioned differences between the areas and how big London is)/Transport (as Budda mentions. For example, if you're way out and your only tube line is down, you're fucked).

As I said before, just make sure you have plenty of time to spend in London to make your viewings. Distances look a lot smaller on the map than they actually are and it can easily take a couple of hours to get from one end of London to the other.

[Wyetry]

Also don't discount buses and overland trains as a way of getting around as well - but your biggest problem is likely to be deciding the are to live - there are always places to rent

[Acrobat]

Any areas to recommend? I'm in a similar position as I might be moving down for a new job (depends on where I get placed) which would be central London and I've got no idea where to start, and just feel a bit lost really. I won't be making plans until it's definite, but I want to keep my eyes open.

[Wyetry]

Greenwich / Blackheath

(I am biased though but i am always amazed by how lovely it is)

[Calvin]

Distances look a lot smaller on the map than they actually are and it can easily take a couple of hours to get from one end of London to the other.

too fucking right. I'm on my way home now but Ive been house hunting (unsuccessfully) in London for the past 2 days. I thought I would be able to fit loads of viewings in, but instead I have been traveling from place to place.

Supposed to start work on Tuesday, so guess I'm going to have to come back better prepared.

[Dear Wendy]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am currently trying to figure out some specific locations to check out, which will be conviniently placed for commuting each day.

Also, are rented flats usually furnished or not?

[g_angel]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am currently trying to figure out some specific locations to check out, which will be conviniently placed for commuting each day.

Also, are rented flats usually furnished or not?

Varies.

[budda]

Greenwich / Blackheath

(I am biased though but i am always amazed by how lovely it is)

Blackheath! That's in Kent isnt it, its hardly central.

[budda]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am currently trying to figure out some specific locations to check out, which will be conviniently placed for commuting each day.

Also, are rented flats usually furnished or not?

Most house shares will be furnished, but if you are renting by yourself it tends to vary.

The TFL website will tell you all you need to know about travel times - www.tfl.gov.uk

[Wyetry]

Blackheath! That's in Kent isnt it, its hardly central.

Its like two stops on the train from london bridge and it has a london postcode - its not like dartford or st mary cray or swanley.

Also its possibly worth pointing out that if a flat is unfurnished it still comes with a fitted kitchen - unlike some other parts of europe

[piccolo]

Any areas to recommend? I'm in a similar position as I might be moving down for a new job (depends on where I get placed) which would be central London and I've got no idea where to start, and just feel a bit lost really. I won't be making plans until it's definite, but I want to keep my eyes open.
Also, if you want to be reasonably central look south rather than north. You don't have to go far south for it to be quite cheap. London Bridge / Borough is cheaper than Camden / Kentish Town, for example.

[Dear Wendy]

How far should up to 400 pounds a month per person in shared accomodation reach? Like what should one expect? Where?
Is it completely impossible to get something decent for that amount?

This is stresful!

[Calvin]

How far should up to 400 pounds a month per person in shared accomodation reach? Like what should one expect? Where?
Is it completely impossible to get something decent for that amount?

This is stresful!

Depends what you want and where. I have just come back initially with a budget of £500 not including bills, but realised I'm going to have to increase that to £600

[Dear Wendy]

Whoa, as a student I deffo wont be able to afford 600 pounds a month excluding bills.
It's tricky, cause on one hand I don't wanna live too far away from central London, as it'll be a bitch commuting every day... and what's the point?
On the other hand I really really can't afford paying way more than 400 pounds a month.
Is it possible to do it?

[Calvin]

If your looking for student accommodation then there will be something for you, just gotta look hard.

[piccolo]

Are you going to be part of the University of London? They have a good housing list, if you Google for it.

I am paying around £500 pcm to share a room in a 1-bedroom flat in Kings X, but I did live in a 3-bedroom flat a while ago for just under £400 including water. So it's possible but tricky to find in the more central areas. Estate agents will tell you it's not possible - but they would...

A lot of my friends live out in Wood Green which is not too expensive but bear in mind that you'll add at least £20 p/w for travel the further away from uni you live.

Where abouts will you be studying?

[g_angel]

Where abouts will you be studying?

Important question :yes:

[Senor Miguel]

£400/month in zone 1-4 is a tough ask if you want anything bigger than a cardboard box, or don't mind living on ex council estate......i'm paying £450 all in for a place in clapham but that is dirt cheap, same flats in other blocks on the same estate going for £650+.......you should be able to find something decent for £500-550 if you hunt around.

ETA: east london is definitely cheaper than west from experience, of course it varies by area...and if you go through most lettings agents you can expect to pay a premium on top i.e. get ripped off.

[**Helen**]

£400/month in zone 1-4 is a tough ask if you want anything bigger than a cardboard box, or don't mind living on ex council estate

:yes: ex council estates are often full of students paying approx £400-£450 per month - I saw a few places round the Caledonian road area that I would probably be quite happy to live in if I was still a student. Wood Green is also cheap but as Piccolo says you end up paying extra for travel. Part of the trick to finding a place is to just throw yourself into it, have a look at different areas and view as much as you can in the time you have.

[Dear Wendy]

Thanks for the input guys, appreciate it.

I really don't wanna jinx anything, but if everything works out gradewise then I'll be in either LSE or King's. So couldn't really ask for anything more central.
I wrote the accomodation officer who mentioned that popular student areas are Camden, Finsbury Park, Arsenal, Highbury, Mile End, Bethnal Green and Bow.
As someone who's never spent any longer than a week at a time in London, I have no clue what these areas are like, living-wise and cost-wise.

As said there are two arguments floating in my head: I don't wanna miss out on anything cause I live too far away, but I don't wanna miss out anything cause I can't afford to breathe after rent has been paid.

:(

[piccolo]

I would say, rule out Camden in your search if you're aiming for <£400, even the ex-local authority properties there are more than that.

All the areas you mention are about the same, safety-wise and distance from LSE/King's. You might find that Mile End and Bethnal Green are slightly cheaper as a rule.

Living too far away shouldn't stop you missing out on anything as long as there is a night bus or a 24-hour service. I don't live on a tube line but I have 2 night buses from Uni or Soho and it's really easy to get home.

[g_angel]

Yeah, the night transport in London is excellent. I wouldn't worry too much about missing out on anything!

[Dear Wendy]

If I add another 100 pounds to that amount, will that make a big difference in what I can get?
How far away do you guys reckon is still decent distance to live from the school? Not only for transport links but also time-wise? I know it's 'all relative', but as London residents you probably have more of a clue than me :)

Thanks!

[Jim V]

It's by no means the cheapest way to find a place to live but http://www.findaproperty.com gives a pretty good benchmark of what estate agents are charging for rented accomodation - it also lets you search by areas of London and the map helps to see where places are if you don't know London that well.

As I said in Cal's thread I live Highbury, Finsbury Park way and I like it a lot - one of the best areas I've ever lived... well apart from all the bloody students :P

I think £400 should be doable - especially if you've got the chance to find other students to go in with - but it may take some looking. Camden probably not though - always been pretty expensive to live there and it's pretty much at its peak right now.

As to travel - well for getting to somewhere in the morning, hell pretty much anywhere in London is fine - travel isn't too expensive compared to the rest of the country and you can get in from places as far from Ealing in, what, an hour top, to central London.

Main thing is probably to look at finding somewhere close to a good trainline or the tube the further out you go. As to getting back at night, long as you don't mind a long bus ride then travel is available literally 24 hours a day, everyday of the year.

[Jim V]

Here's the searches for Finsbury Park/Highbury - as you can see 400 - 450 a month is available. The more you can spend the nicer you'll get obviously and you'll need to look around, some will be really nice and some will basically put prisons to shame...

http://www.findaproperty.com/searchresults.aspx?edid=00&salerent=1&al=67266762

[bluewisdom]

Hi everyone, I'll be moving to London as well for studying, and this thread is very helpful! The course starts beginning of october, but I can't be in London before 20ish September. I'd really prefer to be settled by the time the course begins, does that leave me too little time to find a place?

I'll be studying at the Institute of Education, near Russell Square btw so I'm looking for something central too. I had thought 500 pounds top per month.

[piccolo]

One thing, though, can neither of you stay in halls?

Bluewisdom, you probably won't find anything in WC1 for under £500, you'll need to look north of Euston (lots of Council estates along Eversholt Street and towards Kings X where you might find students looking for flat shares).

Have a look here (http://housing.london.ac.uk/cms/find-a-flatmate.html) to get an idea what's around - this site also has a housing database that you should be able to access as potential students. Living on your own won't be realistic for that sort of money, though, so you will probably need to find a flatshare.

[budda]

How far away do you guys reckon is still decent distance to live from the school? Not only for transport links but also time-wise? I know it's 'all relative', but as London residents you probably have more of a clue than me :)

Thanks!

Its not really about distance as such, obviously if your only option is a bus then that's going to be a lot slower than the Tube. Use the TFL website I gave you the link of to see how long it will take you to get around. That will detail night buses too.

[Dear Wendy]

One thing, though, can neither of you stay in halls?



I should probably have clarified, I am planning to live with at least one other friend. Probably 2 if not 3. And don't really mind to share a flat with strangers if it brings down the cost.

[Senor Miguel]

I should probably have clarified, I am planning to live with at least one other friend. Probably 2 if not 3. And don't really mind to share a flat with strangers if it brings down the cost.

i am flatsharing with 2 other chaps and 450/month is still cheap for the location and room size, what a lot of aussies and saffas do is 7 or 8 to a house and that brings the rent down to 250-300/month each but the bathroom queue in the morning must be interesting...

[Wyetry]

I saved money in my 3rd year by staying in a 2 bedfoom flat with 3 people so we didn't have a living room but we did live in a lovely area (Shad Thames) - however it still took me about 30mins to get to russel square.

Where i live now takes me about 45mins to get to work and is probably cheaper to live....

[budda]

what a lot of aussies and saffas do is 7 or 8 to a house and that brings the rent down to 250-300/month each but the bathroom queue in the morning must be interesting...

I've seen it done but I sure as hell couldnt live that way.

[Jim V]

Since this seems to be an issue for a number of users I asked around the office today for websites where people could find places to live. Obviously this isn't student specific so may exclude halls or anything that's reserved for students only (if that stuff exists)

Anyway - here's the suggestions (sorry for the repeated links for earlier posts)

gumtree.com (watch out for spam pretending to be a house ad...)
easyroommate.com (Olly claims this isn't as dodgy as it sounds...)
moveflat.com
findaproperty.com
primelocation.com
the Nabs flatshare list - http://www.nabs.org.uk/flatshare.htm
loot.com
flatemateclick.co.uk

[bluewisdom]

Thanks for all the links!
And thanks piccolo for the info on the areas to look for, it's really helpful!

I should have clarified as well, I don't want to stay in halls, but I'm more than willing to share a flat with 1 or 2 other people.

Also, it looks like I'll be arriving around the 20th September, is that too late? I'm scared that by that date everything student-affordable will be taken.

[Jim V]

Given the size and population of London I wouldn't worry too much about everything being taken - there's always people in need of cheap housing all year round and always people looking to rent to someone or who needs a new housemate.

Not to say it won't take some work but that's when you'll be arriving so I wouldn't worry about the date.

[bluewisdom]

Ok, it figures. Thanks.

[Dear Wendy]

Cool, thanks for links and input.

[Wyetry]

I wouldn't discount living in halls either - there are some nice newishy ones in london where you live in small flats and have your own bathroom and as post grad they will put you with other postgraduates and the added bonus is that they are usually in a central location and mean you can often save money on transport as they are close enough to walk to university.

My friend went to LSE to do her masters and had a lovely flat near tower bridge in her halls....

[Dear Wendy]

If it doesn't work out between me and the friends I am planning on moving with, then I probably will apply for that simulatniously with looking for flat mates.

[Wyetry]

Cool - also its probably worth pointing out that if your living with people who aren't students then they will have to pay council tax - you will be exempt if your a student though - but they will have to pay the full whack............

[Dear Wendy]

3 weeks and my search begins properly! For now I am just spending my time on different accomodation sites such as gumtree and findaproperty.
Any tips of which questions to ask prospective landlords and any scams I should be aware about?

[Dear Wendy]

Ok, I am just going to concentrate my questions in this thread. Anybody cares to tell me what the procedure is like to switch to a new GP?

[Renzo]

You just go and register at whichever one you choose. They should be able to get your details and any information about medicines you take from your previous GP.

[Dear Wendy]

Do people usually just choose the nearest one to their homes, or...?

Thanks :)

[Wyetry]

humm - welll your supposed to have a choice about who your doctor is - but you also need to choose one which is reasonably close to where you live otherwise they wont' take you on. But if you really don't get on with your doctor you can move if you want.

You might also find that sometimes a doctors is over subscribed and will send you somewhere else.

[Renzo]

I've personally just gone for whatevers convenient for me. I was registered with the student health centre during my undergraduate degree. Here, on my postgrad course I'm with a GP thats nearer the campus than home. I chose it because I spend most of my time on campus so its easier to get there in the day. I think aslong as you don't live too far away from a GP Surgery you can choose wherever you like.

[Dear Wendy]

Thanks guys!
Yeah, maybe I should choose a doctor near school. Then I can just go in my breaks or before/after, whereas if its too near home (when I find such one that is) then it would only be convenient mornings/evenings.

[Dear Wendy]

Erm, what is a let agreed property?

[Wyetry]

Thanks guys!
Yeah, maybe I should choose a doctor near school. Then I can just go in my breaks or before/after, whereas if its too near home (when I find such one that is) then it would only be convenient mornings/evenings.

If your going to LSE then there is a university of london medical centre - but its not near the main LSE buildings - as it near the main University of London campus bit on Gower Street. However I think you would be hard pushed to find an NHS gp in the middle of london

[go_away]

Gower Place Practice is good :yes: Dr Barrett there looked after me through the depressed years, really top doc in my opinion. They also have a walk-in service so if you need to see a doc or nurse for 5 minutes, they can see you then (although it's a bit of a wait as their appointments take priority)

[Dear Wendy]

Thank for the suggestion! Will def look into it. I wanna sort out a doctor right away, maybe even before moving in to somewhere if they'll be willing to take me. So will have a look at that practice, and ask for Dr Barrett - I need a doctor that's willing to listen and wont just brush me off.

[Dear Wendy]

If anyone could help me with this thank you!
Basically a friend is looking at a place tomorrow. Price is good, location is great, and pictures of the house are awesome (they've pictured every room + kitchen and bathroom, which most other agencies don't do, so this gives me a good feel about them not hiding the unacceptable kitchen or boxroom etc, everything looks completely fine).
Its in Hoxton and I will be studying in central London, so I went of TFL to look at the travelling aspect and it said 40 minutes travelling time. That is for a bus without taking the tube. And that was with me ticking the option for the fastest route.

Might be me who needs to wake up to real life, but isnt 40 minutes a bit excessive for something which is in a reasonable well connected area (or so I assume by its popularity) in zone 2, into the centre? Or is it normal?
Could be a mistake of some sorts maybe? As the site it is advertised on says that it is a short ride away from two tube stations, so could it perhaps be quicker to take the bus to a tube and then from there directly to one of the 3 tube stations around the school?

I am confused, and I know people travel for longer - but I know people staying further away than that going to the same area and their transport time is according to them not taking that long!
So yeah, if anyone could enlighten me a bit about what to expect timewise regarding travelling to and from school. Thank yous! :)

EDIT: Have checked it out, seems as if unless I wanna fork out the fortune it costs to live JUST near the school then 40 minutes is reasonable transport time :(

[Jim V]

Where in Hoxton and where are you studying - I live right near work in London terms and it's a 45 minute walk so it's hard to judge the distance without specific locations...

Bear in mind that if the travel is on the tube then TFL will list it as 40 minutes to bear in mind the worst possible connection times on the tube, a lot of the time it might be quicker.

[Dear Wendy]

Ha ha, refreshed the very same minute you replied! Telepathic or what? :p
But yeah, thanks for that!
The place in question is on Kingsland Road south of Dalston rail, and am going to be studying near Holborn. But yea when I check near tube stations that are also an option, its only 5-10 minutes faster - and with what you say, it seems I can't really complain. Though I guess 45 minute walking time is a lot quicker public transportation time? Or would it just be a detour in your case?

Should probably calm down a bit though as I am acting as if the place is ours, when tomorrow is just the viewing.

[Jim V]

Okay well i make Dalston rail E8 2JS and as a guess a study location near Holborn something like the Bloomsbury near Russell square - so WC1B 5AD

I reckon that even by walkit standards thats only about an hour walking at worst or less on the tube. The reason the travel seems so long is probably because you're off the main tube routes, think Dalston only gets a train every 15 minutes. To be honest if you want a place near by and it seems nice and you can afford this then I think you'd be mental to say no.

As long as you check out the area and you like then this seems really cool

Here's the link to the journey on foot, based on my postcode guess -
http://www.walkit.com/mywalk.php?rblstart=457699_511076&rblend=396158_433080&cid=100638&header1:txtfrom=E8+2JS&header1:txtto=WC1B+5AD&header1:txtcity=london&direct=0

[Dear Wendy]

That site is well cool. I like the calorie thing.

But yeah, the place looks as amazing value for the area. Its one of the cheapest, yet one of the nicest places I've come across online within our price range in the specific areas we have looked at. Even places that are a hundred pounds or more, more expensive a week dont look as nice. And as said, I have a good feeling as they seem to have taken pictures from a good angle which show as much of the room as possible (so not just the nice cupboard whilst the bed is in fact a 30 year old holed mattress) and of every room in the house.

Any questions to ask that could be important?

[Wyetry]

I was going to say that from there you'll need to get a bus its not THAT far but you have to factor in bus waiting times etc.

Also when looking at a flat bear in mind that its not just the inside which reflects the price its also the area which its in - Dalston is OK but maybe not for the faint hearted... - but then pretty anywhere within zone one and two if your not prepared to pay an arm and a leg isn't going to be that nice.

[Dear Wendy]

Property is not avaliable until almost a month from now which is too long to wait as we don't wanna commute from outside of London for that long - apart from that it was apparently pretty much perfect. So search continues.

But yes, finding reasonable property in London is a bitch by the looks of it!

[g_angel]

But yes, finding reasonable property in London is a bitch by the looks of it!

:yes:

It can be a mission as there are a lot of sub-standard properties and you'll have to pay through the nose for the good ones (unless you strike it lucky).

IMO, 40 minutes commuting time is quite normal :)

[Wyetry]

ohh also - i might want to add that i live in zone 3 and i'm still only a 45 min commute to work - and 20 mins from my house to central london on the train and i live in a lurrrrrvely area (though i am biased)

[Jim V]

Property is not avaliable until almost a month from now which is too long to wait as we don't wanna commute from outside of London for that long - apart from that it was apparently pretty much perfect. So search continues.

But yes, finding reasonable property in London is a bitch by the looks of it!

Really, I'd have a hard think about it - you mind find it difficult to find anything without a couple of weeks before you can move in

[Renzo]

ohh also - i might want to add that i live in zone 3 and i'm still only a 45 min commute to work - and 20 mins from my house to central london on the train and i live in a lurrrrrvely area (though i am biased)

Where is that if you don't mind me asking? Some friends and I are looking at places to live. Most have been on the Zone 2 and 3 borderline. Don't know when i'll be moving though as I can't really afford to at the moment.

[g_angel]

ohh also - i might want to add that i live in zone 3 and i'm still only a 45 min commute to work - and 20 mins from my house to central london on the train and i live in a lurrrrrvely area (though i am biased)

Aye, as another example:

I live in Notting Hill. It's a 5-10 minute walk to the tube, two stops to Earl's Court, change and then five stops to Stamford Brook where I work. It usually takes 30-40 minutes, or if I walked directly, approximately 45-50 minutes. Early morning mind-fugggggg usually dictates I get the tube, but being the District Line, it is often shafted.

So, it's not a long way as such, but just due to the size of the place, it still can take a long time. To me, a 40+/- minute commute is fantastic as i've had MUCH worse :)

[g_angel]

Really, I'd have a hard think about it - you mind find it difficult to find anything without a couple of weeks before you can move in

Agreed.

[Wyetry]

Where is that if you don't mind me asking? Some friends and I are looking at places to live. Most have been on the Zone 2 and 3 borderline. Don't know when i'll be moving though as I can't really afford to at the moment.

Blackheath/Greenwich

Though Charlton is only one stop further on the train and much cheaper as well and not all that bad either - plus i have the option of the tube and the DLR if things get really stuffed up.

[Renzo]

Blackheath/Greenwich

Though Charlton is only one stop further on the train and much cheaper as well and not all that bad either - plus i have the option of the tube and the DLR if things get really stuffed up.

We looked at Charlton but the transport links didn't look as good. Tottenham and the areas around it are where my friends seem to be looking. Apparantly I'm going to be looking at some over the weekend.

[Dear Wendy]

Really, I'd have a hard think about it - you mind find it difficult to find anything without a couple of weeks before you can move in

I know... its just all a bit too confusing when I'm not going to be in London until this weekend and the 2 others are doing the househunting before/after work at the moment. They wanna find something as soon as possible as they don't want to commute from out of London for the next 3+ weeks, which I understand to be fair.

But am sure we will find something in the end, a friend of mine found something within a day. And a friend of a friend did the same. Its just about looking hard enough I guess.

[Senor Miguel]

gumtree is your friend, i moved house again a couple of weeks ago back over to east london and saw half a dozen places in a couple of weeks. i am quite fussy as well, you just have to be quick with the good ones they go fast.

[twisted_trinity]

tbh, i wouldn't want to live in dalston, or hoxton. I've got friends in the area and they have been broken into 5 time in the past year, and one of them has had their car stolen and another mugged just outside the train station. they could all be very unlucky but its not a nice area at night i know that much.

anywhere around kenton is good, as is harrow, cos its only 20 mins to baker street (if you need that side of town) and its not massivly expencive either. Canning town isn't that bad, and thats only 20 mins into town, and rents are quite cheap, the same with stratford. wouldn't know anything about being south of the water. but i know that those ones are pretty good.

[MrG]

I commute about an hour or just over, both from, and to work.

Though i do travel about 32/33 miles :P

[Wyetry]

We looked at Charlton but the transport links didn't look as good. Tottenham and the areas around it are where my friends seem to be looking. Apparantly I'm going to be looking at some over the weekend.

Tottenham is scaryish (according to my friend who grew up there) - but super cheap

[twisted_trinity]

yeah its too close to edmonton which is rife with gun and knife crime

[Dear Wendy]

A place has been signed for now, and only 30 minutes to school from the tube! A bit more expensive, but aparently its in a nicer area (Finsbury Park).

[g_angel]

A place has been signed for now, and only 30 minutes to school from the tube! A bit more expensive, but aparently its in a nicer area (Finsbury Park).

Yeah, Fisbury park isn't bad at all. Glad you have it sorted out :)

[Jim V]

Cool, I really like Finsbury Park

[Dear Wendy]

I hope I will too :p Perhaps a bit stupid to give my consent from abroad when I haven't even seen pictures from the interior and stuff - but its on a pretty central road and the girl who went to view it for us said that everything looked good, was a good size, location was good, etc. etc.
So yeah, apparently we're moving in on sunday!

[Renzo]

So Finsbury Park is nice, but the places I'm looking at within a mile or so aren't. God you lot are pedantic :p

Congratulations though Wendy. You going to move in on Sunday then?

[Wyetry]

its not *that* nice - its OK and up and coming maybe.....

Its definatley not as nice as say chelsea or fulham

[g_angel]

So Finsbury Park is nice, but the places I'm looking at within a mile or so aren't. God you lot are pedantic :p



:lol:

A mile in London can be the difference between riches and ghetto.

[piccolo]

:lol:

A mile in London can be the difference between riches and ghetto.
Not that so much, in fairness, it's just safety. I used to live in the "rich" part of Holloway Road and have never felt so unsafe compared to the less well-off area towards Highbury Corner, which is more stable. It's just about where you feel safe going home to at night.

[g_angel]

Not that so much, in fairness, it's just safety. I used to live in the "rich" part of Holloway Road and have never felt so unsafe compared to the less well-off area towards Highbury Corner, which is more stable. It's just about where you feel safe going home to at night.

Well, I feel a damned sight safer in Notting Hill than I did in Westbourne Park. ;)

[Renzo]

Meh, I'll judge it myself on Saturday. Budget is the key word. I don't have a job yet.

[Dear Wendy]

Congratulations though Wendy. You going to move in on Sunday then?

Thanks, but the agencies are being bastards :(
They want me to scan in a document with my parents signature saying they are liable for my share of the rent, a copy of their passport and a payslip to see they have an income. On top of that I need the reference from my old landlord (fair enough - no biggie) AND a bank statement showing that my parents have paid my rent in the past.


Is he legally allowed to do that?

[Dear Wendy]

Oh, and on the bank statements is it alright if he sees my account number or should I cover that?

[Wyetry]

Thanks, but the agencies are being bastards :(
They want me to scan in a document with my parents signature saying they are liable for my share of the rent, a copy of their passport and a payslip to see they have an income. On top of that I need the reference from my old landlord (fair enough - no biggie) AND a bank statement showing that my parents have paid my rent in the past.


Is he legally allowed to do that?


Yes if you don't have the means to pay the rent yourself - if you had a job they would ask to see a copy of your pay slip and possibly even your contract - they need to protect thier assets as well.

[Dear Wendy]

Yeah, it makes sense. Just felt violated in a way. Know it sounds dramatic, but it is just documents that you wouldn't just flaunt around.
Its also due to me not being used to this at all. In Sheffield I just had to give my parents contact details, my university, course and year of study - and it was fine. And then show them a copy of my standig order agreemeant with the bank, when everyone else just gave postdated checks. And here in Denmark they charge you 3 months rent, on top of the first months rent, as a deposit to ensure you have the means, and in case the property is damaged.
But yeah, apparently they have all the needed documents now :) Now its just about when they will let us move in. Do any of you know what the rules are regarding moving in midmonth? Do they charge you for the whole month or just from the week you moved in?

[Dear Wendy]

Everything ALMOST sorted. Money issues sorted, all documents are cool. But we wanna move in this weekend so the girls I am living with are signing the contract tomorrow. I'll only be there tomorrow night so obviously can't sign the contract. Now, I was told that I just need to send an e-mail confirming that I am happy for them to sign on my behalf. Though I was wondering if tha complicates my position legally? Say in breech of contract, will they then be able to say that as I haven't signed it myself then I have no leg to stand on regarding any claims?

Anyone?

[Wyetry]

I would write a letter and add an electronic signature to it. I belive that electronic signatures are accepted as legally binding and indeed we accept them as so at work all the time.

[Jim V]

Don't quote me on it legally - but I'd imagine that the email would back up that you've agreed to the signing but then they may still want you to pop in and sign it as well at some point later on.

[Dear Wendy]

Whats an electronic signature?

[Dear Wendy]

Today is the day! Thanks for everybodies help :)

[Jim V]

Cool, sure it'll go well :)

[g_angel]

Today is the day! Thanks for everybodies help :)

Welcome to The Big Smoke :D