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Part 5: To Rent Or Not To Rent

In this article I'll cover the topic of renting apartments, rooms and such, so generally speaking - getting an accommodation.

Renting Apartments

Ok, I'll start from posting few prices from around England, and after this we'll move to a short conclusion.

South East England

Hastings - East Sussex (It's on the sea side, in south)
1 bedroom apartment ~ 400 pcm (pcm stands for - per calendar month)

London ~ 1.100 k pcm -yes, over one thousand pounds for a month

South West England

Plymouth ~ 500 pcm

East England


Norfolk ~ 400 pcm

North West England

Manchester ~ 300 pcm

Liverpool ~ 300 pcm

North East England

Newcastle ~ 350 pcm

So, what does it tell us?

The main thing that we can notice is that prices in south are generally higher then prices in north of England.

Also, generally prices in cities/towns on sea side are higher then others, London is an exception, but it's because it's capital.

For many years prices in London were a lot higher then anywhere else.

Now, when we know how the prices around England vary we can move on to explaining general process of renting an apartment.

You have a choice of either renting directly from a landlord or through an agency.
You can find various adverbs in newspapers to rent directly.
Problem is that it's not as safe as renting through agency. I heard about "scams" and such, don't get me wrong here, I'm not trying to say that if you rent directly then you will loose your money, I just want to make it clear that going through agency is generally safer.

If you rent by contacting an agency, they will help you to find a suitable apartment, the big ones have a big offer of apartments in different parts of towns, you can find their offices in city centres or through internet.

Agencies of course, charge for their service, but according to British law they can charge you only "finders fee" which means, when they find you a place to live, you will have to pay provision, which is usually around 200£, but they vary depending on area in England.

Deposit

Usually you will have to pay a deposit, usually a months price for renting, as well as months fee in advance. That's in case when you go through agency, when it comes to landlords it's different, but it depends on ones will.

After you sign up all the papers, remember to read them, and ask about details, whether you will have to pay for water and gas or electricity, as well as council tax fee.

Remember also, that you are responsible for all damage you cause, like wholes in walls after having a big party or broken windows, you know, this just happen when you party.

Renting a room

Renting a room is a lot cheaper then renting a flat/apartment.

You will most likely pay weekly for it, prices vary from 50 £ a week to 80£ a week.

Of course, different in price is the freedom you get for it.
When you rent a room it's just ONE room, you SHARE the bathroom, kitchen and all that with family that you live with, or with other tenants.

Deposit usually is just for one week in advance, so you need a lot less money to rent a room then to rent a flat.

If you move to england alone, then I would suggest renting a room off a family or sharing a flat with someone, it's way too expensive to rent a flat on your own, trust me on this one.

You can find people to rent a place with in newspapers as well, and on internet, some of websites of letting agencies have a special option for it.

I'm not advertising any, it's easy enough to find them on internet by yourself and make your own choice.

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