3 Important Factors to Consider Before Renting a Flat or an Apartment

So, you have worked hard enough and been awarded that elusive managerial position and you have to relocate to another branch. Or, you scored good grades that earned you a place in a college of your dreams. Either way, you need to begin your search for flats to rent in St. Johns Wood. While the choice of a flat or an apartment to rent bottoms down to ones taste, family size and economic power, to most people, settling for an apartment or flat that meets their specifications is always a daunting task. 

If you are planning to rent an apartment or a flat, please consider the following factors before you part with your hard earned money.

Exhaust Your Options

When renting an apartment or flat, it’s good to exhaust the available options before settling for a specific flat or apartment. You can start by searching for apartments and flats available in your area on the internet, newspapers and in the magazines. After the search, you can physically visit the apartments or flats that interest you. During the visit you may discover the various sizes and types of flats and apartments that fit your price range. Also, you may discover the different amenities available.  For example, some apartments have a shared swimming pool or spa while others don’t.

Consider Sharing Your Flat

While the possibility of sharing a flat can be out-of-question to most married people or ones with a family, it’s a decision most bachelors and bachelorettes find hard to make. Sharing a flat can make your life better or horrible.

Having a room-mate has several advantages: It can make your life more affordable since you are paying half price of the rent. Also, you are able to share domestic chaos and you get to have someone to talk to.

On the other hand, sharing a flat can make your life horrible. In some instances, you may find yourself sharing a room with a potentially dangerous person. The person could be a drug addict or a criminal, who is constantly pursued by police. Strangers are not the only ones who can make your life a misery. You might be sharing a room with your best friend whom you are incompatible with. For example, your best friend may cherish playing music or watching TV till the wee hours of the night while you like having a tranquil night.

Your decision to share your flat or apartment should be informed by your conclusion after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of sharing a room.

Read the Rental Contract Carefully

A rental contract is a very important document since it’s the legal document that is used to settle cases in the event of a tenant-landlord conflict. Among other details, a rental contract bears information such as: rent charges, damage payments, rent increments and rental period. Therefore, it is important for you as the tenant to read and understand every detail in the contract.