4 things to keep in mind before renting a room

Looking for a rented room can be very tricky in the city of London. To get the best value for your money, there are four things that you should always keep in mind before you rent a room.

The security deposit

The security deposit is a sum of money that you have to give the landlord or the estate agent when you move in. It’s a guarantee that you will not damage the room or break the terms of your rental agreement. Before you decide to take a room, it’s smart to ask the agent about the security deposit so that you can make sure that you have that much money in hand. You will get the security deposit amount back when you leave the room, as long as it is in good condition and you have not broken the rental contract you signed when you moved in.

Paying bills

Bills can make a large difference in the deal. Gas, electricity, water and internet can add substantially to the monthly cost of your room. You need to know which of the bills are included in your rent. If you are a student then you need to concentrate on your studies and it can be useful tohave all bills included in your rent so that you don’t need to worry.  Some landlords do not include any of these bills in the rent; however, this usually means the rent is lower. You need to check out the details before you rent a room.

Washroom facilities

When you share a flat, and especially if you are sharing it with someone that you do not know, then an extra bathroom can be convenient. In Britain,“bathroom”means a bathroom that has a shower and a toilet. If four people are sharing the same bathroom, it can become dirty and unpleasant very quickly – but one extra bathroom makes life much easier. So before you make a deal, ask about the total number of bathrooms. If the house has multiple bathrooms, it will be much easier for everybody who lives there.

Heat

The most important factor that has to be considered is the heating. The winters in London are very harsh: you should be sure to wear woolen clothes and a good thick coat, and you need to have a warm room. The room should have at least one radiator that is in good condition. You should also ask how often the heater is switched on, and the availability and functioning of the heater before you rent a room. You should also check whether the house has an air-conditioning system or not, because summertime in Britain can be hot and humid.

You also need to take care of some other factors. You need to see whether you can easily afford the rent and whether the area is safe and close to public transport. While you look over the room,check whether the water and gas pipes are in a good condition or leaking. You need to see whether you get twenty-four hours of water supply and check how well the toilet flushes. You should check whether all the electricity and appliances are in good working condition. The doors and windows should open easily and the front door should lock securely. Take a good look at all the walls and take photographs of any marks. You should also check whether your room is noise-free, as noise outside your window may disturb you while you study. Ask whether you get access to all the building’s facilities while you are there, and make sure the garbage is taken out regularly.

You also need to know who your neighbors are.  If you get good and co-operative neighbors, you will have a happy stay. You can also get in touch with them after you start living there and they can help you if you have any problems.

Lastly, look into the extra facilities available for your room. If you want a furnished room, you can ask the agent to look for one – however, a furnished room can cost almost double the price of an unfurnished room.

If you do not want to rent a room or you have a higher budget,why not go for the Rooms in Marble Arch? These rooms are very spacious with good facilities for a stress-free stay where you’ll be a pampered guest. So don’t worry about your decision on where to stay in London; wherever you choose, you’re sure to have a relaxing stay.