Private Housing Guide - Before the search

FRONT

PRIVATE HOUSING

GUIDE 2020

BEFORE THE SEARCH Do your research before you jump into the search process. Arming yourself with essential knowledge on what you’re looking for, what your budget is and where you want to live will not only ensure you find the ideal place for you, but will help to avoid being scammed or pressured into a decision.

SECTION CONTENTS Who to live with

4

Types of accommodation

8

When to start looking

5

Costs and budgets

9

Where to look

6

Where to live

10

Avoid being scammed

7

WHO TO LIVE WITH Don’t rush into living with people you don’t know very well; even if you have been on the same course or lived in the same halls, living together in private accommodation can be very different.

Will your housemates do their fair

Contracts are binding and it can be hard to leave them.

Do you live to a similar schedule?

Choose the right people to live with and you’ll have a great time. Making the right decisions at the outset could lead to one of the best experiences of your life.

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share of the household chores?

Will they pay their rent on time?

Will they act in a responsible way?

Do you all go to bed early or prefer to stay up late?

Do you all have the same budget?

WHEN TO START LOOKING

SEARCH TIMELINE

The majority of private accommodation in London is only advertised one to two months before it is available.

Start speaking to your friends about whether you want to live together.

Think about where you want to live and what budget you have.

Estate agents won’t know what properties are available for September/ October until June, July or August. If you start looking earlier than this, you may be expected to pay rent on a property you aren’t ready to move in to.

The landlords registered on Imperial Home Solutions are familiar with the student property market and some advertise their properties earlier in the year and allow you to view the property without having to move in or pay rent until September/October.

JANUARY, FEBRUARY

MARCH, APRIL, MAY Attend our annual Housing Events.

Meet local estate agents, speak with accommodation experts and learn about house hunting dos and don’ts, contracts, deposits and much more.

Landlords begin to advertise properties on Imperial Home Solutions and take advanced bookings.

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST

If you need to secure your accommodation before the summer, we recommend searching on the Imperial Home Solutions website.

This is a good time to look at estate agents; they will have a better idea of what will be available in September and October.

“ IF IT’S STILL MORE THAN A MONTH FROM WHEN YOU HOPE TO MOVE IN, DON’T HAVE YOUR HEART SET ON THOSE SAVED PLACES JUST YET. THE MARKET HERE MOVES SO FAST THAT MOST OF THE GOOD FLATS/ROOMS (I.E. NICE, REASONABLY PRICED) ARE GONE IN A FEW DAYS.”

SEPTEMBER Left it to the last minute? Don’t worry as there are still plenty of properties available.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER MOVE IN!

NOVEMBER, DECEMBER Relax and enjoy your new home.

Isaac Tan, Imperial PG student Read more about Isaac’s house search: bit.ly/Isaac-accommodation-blog

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WHERE TO LOOK While there are lots of places to look for accomodation, most of you will do your searching online. There are plenty of websites that advertise spare rooms or available flats, but it’s worth looking for sites and listings that specifically cater to students.

IMPERIAL HOME SOLUTIONS Imperial Home Solutions is a property searching website exclusive to Imperial students. It’s a one-stop-shop for finding the perfect place to live and allows you to:

Search for properties advertised by private landlords and other students

Post messages about the kind of room

Create your own property shortlist Search travel times Find advice on private housing - and lots more!

Imperial Home Solutions www.imperialhomesolutions.co.uk

(or roommate) you’re looking for

HALLS OF RESIDENCE Staying on in a halls of residence is a popular choice, offering a sense of familiarity but with more independence that the first-year experience. Imperial offers accommodation in one hall for continuing students, however there are also plenty of private hall providers offering a range of room types and facilities.

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Imperial Halls - Evelyn Gardens

Private Halls

Staying on in College accommodation for another year could be a great transitional option.

There are plenty of private hall providers London for you to choose from.

Visit our returning students accommodation page for further information.

Visit our Private Hall’s page to find our more information about the agents that advertise with us:

bit.ly/evelyn-gardens-accommodation

bit.ly/private-halls

AGENTS Letting agents A letting agent advertises properties on behalf of a landlord. They manage the process until the tenant has moved in. The landlord would then collect the rent and deal with any problems or repairs that may arise.

Managing agents Letting agents can manage properties in addition to simply putting prospective tenants in touch with landlords. If this is the case, you will find that the agent’s name and address appears on the tenancy agreement rather than the landlord. The agency will usually hold your deposit, collect rent and take responsibility for repairs to the property, although you still have the legal right to know the name and home address of your landlord.

Warning: Don’t be pressured by aggressive sales tactics. There are always plenty of properties to choose from.

PRIVATE LANDLORDS Private landlords are individuals who have one or more properties that they rent out, others just have rooms in the accommodation they live in.

They advertise their properties through various channels: agencies, websites, social media or newspapers.

You can search for properties advertised by private landlords on Imperial Home Solutions.

SCAMS Avoid being scammed. Your safety and security is most important, so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

View the student accommodation fraud warning issued by the Metropolitan Police: bit.ly/imperial-fraud-warning How can you protect yourself against scams?

Never send money upfront before you’ve viewed a property Avoid listings that have no photographs Visit the rental property in person and check the landlord’s ID Check the authenticity of any safety certificates (e.g. gas safety) Be suspicious if you are asked to wire money through services such as Western Union Be sure to check that the property actually exists, photos are not a substitute Never pay for a deposit in cash. Use a credit card if you can – this offers more protection Use the land registry to check if the landlord is the legal owner of the property. See page 17.

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TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION

start here

Use our handy chart to figure out which type of property is right for you.

Do you want to live on your own?

yes

no

Do you want to share a house/flat with friends or people you know?

yes Do you want to have your own bathroom?

yes

no Rent a room

Also want a separate lounge and bedroom?

yes

no

Consider renting a onebed flat You cherish your personal space and want lots of it! Be aware though: this is an expensive option

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Become a lodger! choose between living with the landlord, or find a room with strangers and meet new people

Rent a studio apartment Everything you need in one place!

Happy to share a bathroom and a kitchen?

yes

no

Get a bedsit You’ll have your own kitchen in your room, but will share bathroom facilities

no

Share with your friends Find a house or a flat with your friends. You’ll sign a Joint Assured Shorthold Tenancy which means you’re all equally responsible for the property - be careful who you choose to live with!

Would you like to live in a student hall environment with shared facilities e.g. kitchen?

no

Try a studio in a private hall Get the best of both worlds!

Complete privacy within a student environment

yes

Live in a cluster flat within a private hall You’ll have your own room - sometimes even an en-suite - but will share your kitchen with other students

COSTS AND BUDGETS Before you start your search, you should consider what other costs you’ll have when drawing up your budget. The Money Advice Service gives information about the average utility bill prices across the UK and advises how you can find cheaper deals by switching suppliers. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk UTILITY BILLS Water

Broadband

If you do not have a water meter you will pay a set yearly charge, but you can ask for this to be paid in monthly installments.

Typically paid monthly; do look around for the best deal!

Electricity and gas Utility companies tend to bill monthly or quarterly. Ask to be switched onto the schedule that works best for you. Ensure you provide actual meter readings so that you only pay for what you have used.

Prepayment meters: If your property has a ‘pay as you go’ meter, you will have a key or card which tops up the meter with credit.

You can top up at the Post Office or any local shop which displays the Payzone or PayPoint logo.

TV Licence If you watch live TV, catch up service or streaming, you will need a TV licence.

Currently £154.50 per annum, more info 29.

Insurance Typically paid monthly. Look around for the best deals. Endsleigh are responsible for insurance in Imperial halls of residence.

Their website is www.endsleigh.co.uk

OTHER COSTS

DEPOSITS

Don’t forget to include these other costs in your budget.

You may be required to pay a holding and security deposit. Find out more about these on page 21.

Travel - get discounted travel with a student Oyster card

Food Socialising Phone bills Council tax (if you are not living with only full-time students - see page 30)

COST OF LIVING Get information about the cost of living in London, money saving tips and advice on where you can access financial support if you need it from the College’s website: bit.ly/ic-living-costs 9

ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR 2020/21

EARLS COURT

PARK HOUSE 10

SHORT LET Prices from £250pw

ge_Advert_V2.indd 1

28/01/2020 10:47

www.nidostudent.com

Book a tour today

In-house gym

Walk to Imperial College

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Agents services

1 Bedroom Bedsits 1 Bedroom/1 Bath Studios Home solution

RENT RATES

Utilities included

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Starting at £210 PW Starting at £267 PW

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Comfortable, Self-Catered, with fully equipped Kitchens, Bath and on-site Laundry facilities.

International Student Services

www.imperialhomesolutions.co.uk Browse the site for essential house hunting advice as well as the latest news and upcoming events.

Create property favourites and housing alerts Engage with the community message board to look for flatmates Search properties with private landlords, Estate Agents and Private Halls providers

Where to look?

23

17

22

45

Travel times in minutes

870

Average rent pw

FRONT

Z2

SHEPHERD’S BUSH, W12 West London Hammersmith and Fulham

An exclusive house search service only for Imperial students

AREA GUIDE 2020

Imperial Home Solutions Search properties available with private landlords and look out for rooms and flatshares listed by Imperial students on the dedicated message board. www.imperialhomesolutions.co.uk

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Properties I’ve viewed

iss.24@londonroom.info

Bike storage

London

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

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OCTOBER SEPTEMBER

ean?

£207-267

studio

£270-330

1 bed

£339-399

2 bed

House viewing guide

HouseTakehm JUNE

Safety

Properties I’ve viewed LookingKey to Areas rent accommodation in the JULY 2 3 Cleaning private sector? To get you started we1 AUGUST

havedetectors put together handy pocket Are working smoke and firethis blankets fitted?

GOT A QUESTION?

Get in touch with the Student Hub, the single point on campus for all your queries.

• accommodation • admissions • exam arrangements • exchange programmes

Key Areas

This is a good time to look at agents; they will have a bette

Is the house clean? of what will be available in

Is the house free from signs of pests/rodents ( droppings)?

Can you open all exit doors from the inside?

September and October.

Will you be provided with equipment to keep i

tomain helphallway, you decide which If there was a guide fire in the could you still London area suits you best. escape?

Plumbing

Are all the gas/electric appliances safety tested?

Does the cooker work?

Do all the taps work?

Come along to our housing events. hot water tap? speak with MeetEven localthe estate agents, accommodation experts and learn Do the sinks drain? aboutIshouse hunting dos and don’ts, the toilet leak-free? contracts, deposits and much more.

Is the heating in the house adequate?

• student financial support • student records • tuition fees • other College services

Security

Are external doors fitted with strong, secure locks?

Are ground floor windows lockable?

Does the shower work properly?

Are there enough bathrooms for the number o Landlords begin to advertise properties housemates? on Imperial Home Solutions. imperialhomesolutions.co.uk Furniture

Are ground floor curtains thick enough to not be seen through?

What’s inside

Location

Is transport to and from College (including by foot) 16 most popular areas for accessible? ▸

Level 3, Sherfield Building

Has the house got enough furniture MARCH for the nu housemates sharing?

APRIL

Imperial students to live When and where to look Support available to you

Is there enough space in the MAY kitchen to store f

Are there shops and services nearby?

020 7594 9444 student.hub@imperial.ac.uk @icstudenthub

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LONG LET Prices from £210pw

3 Bedroom/2 Flats showing Starting at £600 PW On the opposite page is aBathmap London postcodes colour-coded based on their median monthly rent rates. The rent data used comes from London Rents Map, a website that provides a useful overview rent areas in Greater London.

Modern, Clean &of Affordable Studio Apartments in Central & West London Visit their website at: www.london.gov.uk/rents Hammersmith, West Kensington & Earl’s Court

Nido Walthamstow prices from £199/week Nido Wembley prices from £189/week

Nido West Hampstead prices from £234/week

Social spaces & study rooms

Fully-furnished ensuite and studio rooms with:

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Student noticeboards Check with your hall, Students’ Union and departments for notices. Also look for posts from other Imperial students on College Facebook pages.

f the

Relax and enjoy your new home!

Estate agents Advertise properties through their own agencies, or they will place adverts on property listing websites such as: ▸ findaproperty.com ▸ rightmove.co.uk ▸ zoopla.co.uk

MOVE IN!

General websites and forums Look out for properties on: ▸ studentrooms.co.uk ▸ spareroom.co.uk ▸ gumtree.com

Left it to the last minute? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of properties available!

ch as

tate dea

ith you to viewings and make notes! nting timeline

Imperial students living here

Our Area Guide map highlights the 16 most popular areas Imperial students choose to live in, along with the average prices for the area and travel times to campus.

AREA GUIDE ▸ ▸

Is the furniture fire resistant?

Does the roof look good condition? ▸ inChoose the right area for you

Is all the furniture in good condition?

Outside

ThinkLandlord about who you Services want to live with and Does theyour landlord provide window cleaning? where.

Take budget Does the landlord include anything else as pa into consideration.

JANUARY rent (water bills/internet etc)?

FEBRUARY

Are the gutters/walls free from plants growing inside? ▸ House viewing checklist Are the drains clear?

Are the wooden window frames or fences safe and free from rot?

Does the landlord provide lawn cutting?

you’d use?

Does the area have the amenities

long will it take?

Our Rent Guarantor Scheme Are you looking to rent private accommodation and need a UK guarantor?

Imperial can help you out.

How will you get to College and how What is a guarantor?

A guarantor agrees to guarantee the payment of your rent to a landlord/ agent in the event that you cannot meet your financial obligations. Many landlords require a UK-based guarantor, meaning that some international students may encounter difficulties.

Does the area feel safe?

Would you be comfortable walking far at night/in bad weather?

To support this, the College can act as a UK-based guarantor for Imperial students who may require this service when securing rental of private accommodation up to the value of £250 per week, per person.

Does your route involve a long walk?

What’s your budget?

Find out if you are eligible and learn more online: imperial.ac.uk/accommodation/rentguarantor

of the city or would a quieter, more suburban area suit you better?

Imperial_Col

Would you prefer the hustle and bustle

Is there good public transport nearby? location?

Is the property in a convenient

London’s diversity makes it an exciting place to live. Each area has a unique character so you’ll need to think about what’s important to you. Below are a few things to consider when deciding where to live in London.

South Kensington, Gloucester Road, High Street Kensington (SW1,SW3,SW5, SW7,SW10 & W8)

We are specialised in providing student accommodation for the past 21 years.

• We provide Out of Hours Tenant Support by email upto Midnight 7days a week throughout the year.

• Free storage service available for early booking.

• No additional charges for maintenance or accidental damage.

• Free high speed Wi-Fi on selected properties.

• Air conditioning on selected properties.

• Free laundry facilities on selected properties.

WHERE TO LIVE • Long let - Tailored 6 - 9- 12 months contract • Summer School Courses & Internship Program • Short let all around the year from 1 week up to 6 months

138-140 Cromwell Road London SW7 4HA

+44 020 7373 3348 +44 020 7373 0323

+44 07841 222 222 +44 07843 222 222

www.rrproperties.co.uk info@rrproperties.co.uk

RENT RATES - POSTCODE MAP

St Mary’s Campus Hammersmith and White City Campus

W

Charing Cross Campus

South Kensington Campus

Chelsea and Westmister Campus

Royal Brompton Campus

£350+

£300 £350

£254 £300

£220 Under £254

£220

Price per week 11