Share-A-Flat

20-10-2007

Guide to Flatsharing

TENANTS

DO

When viewing properties:

• Allow plenty of time for transport delays.
• Plan your route in advance and take an A – Z guide map.
• If you need to cancel an appointment or are delayed, telephone the person waiting for you.
• Make a list of your requirements and ask relevant questions.
• Dress presentably.
• Be yourself, but remember the Owner or Flatmate needs to like you too.
• Meet all the tenants if possible, as you have to live together.
• Work out your budget for rent and bills before accepting a room.
• Be polite, tactful and courteous at all times.
• Smile ?

DON’T

When viewing properties:

• Forget your appointment.
• Arrive late.
• Ask irrelevant or too personal questions (eg. ‘How old are you?’ rather then ‘What’s the average age group of the household?’).
• Leave a deposit without asking for a receipt and details of person you have left the deposit with.
• Transfer money for a deposit before even viewing the property.
• Ask for a beer.

---

LANDLORDS

DO

When seeking a lodger/tenant:

• Clean the property before viewings, re-decorate if needed. A lick of paint can work wonders.
• Get rid of unwanted odours.
• Arrange for all sharers to be meet prospective tenants. They may be renting a room but they are also sharing a home.
• Remember the days and times you have agreed to meet people and make sure you are at the property in plenty of time.
• Be clear about rent payments and explain what is and isn’t included.
• Ask for references if you’re worried, but allow plenty of time for the person to obtain them.
• Explain the house rules before someone moves in.

DON’T

• Try to oversell the room, there’s no point in someone turning up expecting a king size bed and plasma TV if you show them a box room.
• Expect your tenant to be your best buddy.
• Forget they pay rent to live your home, too many strict rules may put people off.
• Just advertise the room, describe the property, area and give guidance to transport connections.

The biggest growth sector in sharing at the moment is people taking in flatmates. As more homeowners are struggling to afford a mortgage, the financial benefits are obvious as it helps pay the mortgage. As a flatmate, the chances of living in a good property are often increased if it’s the landlord’s home as well.

Many lodgers are working professionals who simply can't afford to buy but want a good standard of accommodation, also people who work in London who have a home and family elsewhere often choose to share Monday- Friday.