Moving out & finding somewhere to live!, aaaah! Options

[CrazyFooIAintGet...]

So I'm about to start my first real job and I'm planning to rent a flat in london (where the job is)

I stayed at home with my family while at uni so I'm totally clueless about the whole thing...

Anybody got any advice? If you have any tips about what to look for when looking for flats, what questions to ask potential landlords etc. that would be really helpful

[Mata]

Always check on what the expected bills might be and find out who is responsible for them, especially things like water rates.

Check plug sockets. Lots of older buildings don't have nearly enough plug sockets for modern living. Discuss this with your landlord or letting agent if you don't think you'll have enough. If they listen sympathetically (even if they don't do anything about it) rather than telling you to shove off, then you've probably got an alright bunch to let from.

Always check the heating - see how many radiators are in the house. I stayed in a place that had one radiator for the entire building but we didn't notice until we moved in. It's not a deal breaker, but it's worth being aware of.

Find out what the phoneline is currently doing - is it disconnected? Is it on hold? Is there even a line installed?

Check to see if you can switch power/water/gas suppliers? Most landlords will allow you to do this and you can save money if you do.

Look at the neighbours' gardens. You can tell a fair bit about how much trouble they will be by the state of their house (not always, but it can help).

Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right then don't go for it, no matter how desperate you feel to find a place.

Check the windows. See how difficult it would be to break into the flat. If you are really in doubt then ask for decent locks or to get the police around to strengthen the property. The police will usually do this free of charge and they are constantly amazed by how few people know about it.

Err... That'll do for the moment.