Guide to Living in London

Living in London for the first time can be quite daunting if you don't know the areas in which to live. The following guide will give you an insight into the lettings process and some of the popular options.

The Lettings Process

Step 1 - Contact an Estate Agent to discuss your desired property type and location along with your ‘must have’ criteria, how much you would like to spend, how long you wish to rent for and when you wish to move in.

Step 2 – View selected properties in line with your requirements.

Step 3 – Upon finding a suitable property place an offer on the property with the Estate Agent ensuring to outline any specific conditions you have before moving into the property, eg, ‘I would like the Landlord to provide a coffee table’.

Step 4 – Once the offer has been agreed the paperwork starts in the form of:

• Tenancy Agreement (the contract between you and the Landlord)
• References (employer, financial and previous Landlord)

There will also be initial payments that are legally required before moving into the property:

• Rent for the first month
• Deposit (usually equal to 6 weeks rent)
• Any charges for checking the inventory at the start of the tenancy
• Any referencing agency charges
• The monthly rent is taken from a standing order for which bank details are required.

 

If you would like more information please contact Oliver Coote, our Lettings Co-ordinator at Marsh & Parsons on 020 7243 7146.