1. What is a flat?

A flat is an apartment occupying a single floor of a building. It may or may not be a condominium. A flat may have one, two or three bedrooms and a kitchen or kitchenette. It may also have a living room and lounge area.

2. What is flat sharing?

If you check the rental pages, you will find that the biggest number of available property is for flat sharing. This literally means that you share the space of your flat with another tenant. With the high cost of living in the city it makes sense to try and split the expenses.

If there are multiple rooms in the flat, this means that you would have separate rooms and split the cost of the flat between you. You would also be dividing the expenses for any utilities you share.

3. How much does a flat cost?

It is difficult to give a specific amount as the rates vary depending on location and the state of the flat. On average the monthly rate of a flat would be at least £360 though it may be much higher or lower.

4. Is there a deposit required?

Yes, a deposit is required. While the amount varies it is generally the equivalent of one month’s rent. You will often be asked to pay a bond equal to six weeks rent as well. This will usually come out to about £1000.

The deposit is used to cover any unpaid rent as well as any damages to the property during your stay. Since the deposit is often an amount that gets disputed when a tenant moves on, make sure that you know exactly what your deposit covers and how it will be returned to you.

5. Should you sign a contract?

Yes, you should. The contract makes the terms of your lease very clear. It ensures protection for both your interests and that of your landlord. Aside from specifying how long you have agreed that you may occupy the flat, it specifies the rent and any procedures should you decide to leave or if your landlord decides to evict you. It should also clearly state what your deposit covers and if it will be refunded to you, as well as how it will be returned to you once you move out.

6. What is a Breaking Clause?

A breaking clause is the portion of the contract that specifies that should you decide to vacate the flat before the end of the term that you agreed upon, you can do so without penalty as long as you give one month’s notice to your land lord. This can mean that you will still be able to regain your deposit and bond ins spite of your not completing the full year.