Question about renting a flat?

Question

If I want to move into a new flat at the beginning of July, when should I start looking?

I will be renting, not buying- I understand the market moves really fast and have been told before to only come into the estate agents office 3 weeks before I need to move, that just seems too short a time.

Answer 1

2-3 weeks before you move in is right. If a person has put their flat up to let they'll want it moved into ASAP so that they are not stuck with an empty property on which they're still haveing to pay 50% council tax plus any management fees. If you found a place you'd want to move into now, no one is going to hold it for you until July!

Letting agents are fine and offer a bit of security and protection from dodgy landlords who'll make up stuff to avoid repaying your deposit.

Answer 2

I agree with soem others here, start looking now. You need to get a feel for prices and locations. If you leave it to the last few weeks you could end up making a mistake.

That said many landlords will not know their proeprty will be available for rent until 1 month before - when a tenant hands in thier notice.

In short, start looking now and learn, but don't expect to get a contract until much closer to the date you want to move.

And finally, try researching websites such as www.simple2rent.co.uk to find proeprty details and prices.

Good luck

Answer 3

If you're in a flat you have to give 1 months notice if you want to leave. If the landlord/lady wants you out of the flat then s/he has to give you two months notice to leave.So with that I would say anything between three weeks and 2 months also by the time your credit checks and references are sorted you need to be leaving more time than 3 weeks.

Answer 4

start looking now, if only so you know what a good price is etc. where you dont want to rent and so on.

I would start 8 weeks out, look at a those you like that have probably been standing for a while.

Then after that you just need to assess the new ones as and when they become available. This keeps the pressure off and means you can view somewhere the day it comes up and beat the masses to that great flat. have your deposit and references ready, make it so easy they want to accept you.

Answer 5

Depends where you are I suppose,I mean you might be looking at a place where they go like gold dust so look now.And Estate agents no no no go private you will save your self a fortune if you find a good landlord,they might only take a months rent up front and you wont get ripped off with fees

Answer 6

You don't say as to whether you are wanting a flat inland or near the coast.

I live in a coastal town and if you want to get a flat in July they are like gold dust then. If you are in a town where there may be an influx of seasonal visitors, I would start looking soon.

Answer 7

when people vacate a flat they give landlord 1 months notice so landlord does not instruct agent untill then.
you could try add in local paper stating your proposed july moving date as potential landlord may be preparing a prop for letting now, or have a prop ready before which he will wait a bit for good tennant.

xxx

Answer 8

Usually tenants give one months notice to vacate a property, so you work coincide with that sort of time scale. You may find someone looking for a tenant with a property that has been empty for some time - depends where you are in the world, I guess - so you may get something quickly.

Answer 9

Have a look at the realestate agencies and see whether listings are available now or have future dates on them. If most listings are available now then you need to leave your search until about three weeks before your move.

Answer 10

OK, what you should do is start thinking about it NOW! It can sometimes take months to find the right place, so start thinking about what characteristics you are looking for. I wish you all the best in the future and good luck!