Moving Nightmares

My new kitchen!

Part of my first flat after halls. I loved this place.

It's a scary, but inevitable thing, moving. I, for one, prefer a solitary living space where I can dance in my pants and use all the hot water on myself. However, it isn't always the cheapest option, and that's why moving was on my agenda. Lucky for me, I have a housemate who understands my lonesome tendencies, and respects my privacy as much as I respect theirs. But still, that doesn't tackle the nightmare that can be Landlords and estate agents. No, really, I've had some awful experiences in my past and I'm here to share with you in the hopes it will help you in your moving endeavors.

PRIVATE LANDLORDS 

I went to a private landlord through a friend with the hopes of getting somewhere halfway decent without the fees and deposits of estate agents. Now, the rent did work out cheaper without an estate agent fee, but the price didn't justify what I went through. I spent 3 months with a broken hob and no fridge/freezer. My housemate and I spent a fortune on food and microwaveable meals that didn't need to be refrigerated  and that soon racked up far more than an estate agent's fees.

The trouble didn't stop there. The house was a shared house, which meant others soon started moving in, and one of those people were not pleasant in the slightest. When he started to become a threat to others, we reported him to our landlord, who did nothing. I think that was the worst part of all - because you didn't have an estate agent to go through, getting hold of the landlord and sorting things through someone professional was not an option. In the end, I chose to move.

What I learnt from this and will pass on to you is that private landlords are not always a decent option. Though the rent was cheap, I wasn't entirely sure if everything was above-board, and without someone professional to back your corner (I'm 5ft and not great with numbers), things can easily start to become difficult. I'm not saying it's all bad but, with private landlords, who knows if they've been okayed?

Estate Agents 

Ah, so after my little rant about renting privately, I'm sure you're thinking Estate Agents are a breeze. Not necessarily. The truth is, you have to find the best estate agent for you. Some can be a little unorganized with the sheer amount of houses they run and some can be fantastic. The fact is, you don't really know what's going to happen until you've been with them, but there are things you should think about doing to ensure that you get exactly what you're entitled to (this works with private landlords too).

A damaged door

1. Take Pictures

   It sounds daft, but once you move into your accommodation, take pictures of the room and anything that you find wrong with it. Often, estate agents will hand you an inventory (if furnished) or a form to fill in any faults you find with the place when moving in. This way, any faults with the flat that are still there when you leave won't affect your deposit, and any problems like damaged goods can be dealt with as soon as possible. I found taking pictures was a good means of evidence, as in the past, I have had estate agents deny that there's anything wrong.
   
   

2. Don't Give Up!

   Sometimes it can be really difficult not to give in and just go with what the estate agents are saying. If you feel like you're right, it might be best to seek advice from others more experienced than you, or even the citizen's advice bureau. Remember, you have your rights!
   

3. Keep Copies

   You should get a copy of your contract and receipts, MAKE SURE YOU DO. It's also worth keeping copies of any letters or information you receive from your landlord or estate agent - you never know when you need it! 

4. Write Everything Down

   

   The desk in my old bedsit!

   People scoffed when I told them that my new flatmate and I kept a flat logbook, but the truth is - it's been really helpful so far. Write down anything that you're told, or promised and the name of the person who said it. This was, you can quote exactly what was said over the phone, or via email without having to strain your brain. For example,  "Sarah told me on the 28th that it'd take two days..."
   We also use our log book to ensure that we know what each other has said to the estate agents and what response we received so we can cross-reference each other if need be. See? Not so scoff-worthy.
   
   
   
   All in all, renting can be a great experience and is ever-more popular than house buying at present. Just remember these tips, find your perfect property, and have fun!