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Renting Accommodation in the UK
If you’re an expat on a temporary work visa (such as a Tier 1 (HSMP)) one of the first things you will have to do is to find suitable accommodation (normally in the form of a rented house or flat). As a contractor it’s sometimes difficult to know what to do first, find accommodation then a contract or find a contract then accommodation. If you know where you wish to work then find accommodation first, if not its best to spend a few weeks in a Hotel/B&B.
If you’ve just arrived in the UK and you would like to discuss finding a contract, using an umbrella company or going into business with a limited company call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you!Types of Accommodation
There are a number of types of rental accommodation:Sole Tenancy Flat/House Rental: The most expensive option is to privately rent an entire flat or house
Flat/House Share: A cheaper option is to rent a room in a House Share. You can either sign a new lease with a group of friends or find a single room in an existing House Share on a website such as www.Gumtree.com
Studio: A one room flat that includes a bathroom, living space/kitchen and bedroom
Bedsit: A bedroom with mini kitchen and separate bathroom.
Popular Rental Websites
Once you’ve decided on the type of accommodation you need it’s a good idea to search for accommodation using one of the property websites detailed below. If you already know the area/street in which you wish to live it might be a better idea to have a walk around the area one day and take down the details (from letting boards outside properties) of Estate Agents letting properties in the area.- www.Findaproperty.com (Flat rental only)
- www.fish4.co.uk/iad/lettings (Flat rental only)
- www.Gumtree.com (Flat & House Share rental)
- www.MoveFlat.com (Flat & House Share rental)
- www.IntoLondon.com (Flat & House Share rental)
- www.Propertyfinder.com (Flat & House Share rental)
Considerations when viewing properties
When viewing properties its easy to get carried away, therefore make sure you ask yourself a number of important questions before you tie yourself down to a 12 month contract!- Are transport links suitable for your daily commute?
- Is the area noisy?
- Do you feel safe?
- Where is the nearest shop/supermarket/school/hospital?
- Is there suitable car parking?
- Is the property in good condition?
- How much is council tax?
- Is the property worth the amount being asked for?
- Can you afford to live at the property?
Make sure you pay at least 2 visits to the property (ideally at different times of the day) to make sure everything is in order.
References & Holding Deposits
It’s a good idea to have information available in advance for reference checks. Before a contract can be agreed reference checks must be undertaken by an agent. If you are slow in handing over reference information you could find that you have to wait a little longer to move in.If you pay a holding deposit for the property until the contract is processed make sure you get a receipt and a Holding Deposit Agreement from the Agent. The agreement will outline the terms of the deposit and any circumstances in which you will not get your money back.
Full Rental Deposit and Inventory
Before you can move into a property the Agent/Landlord will ask for a Rental Deposit which is normally equivalent to 6 weeks rent. This deposit covers and dilapidations or breach of tenancy agreement should you terminate the contract early.Inventory Checks confirm the condition of the property at the start and end of the tenancy agreement. Make sure you are present at check in/out so you can agree to any amendments. Keep a signed copy of the Inventory report in a safe place so that if you need make a compensation claim you can do so quickly and easily.
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