UpMyStreet guides: finding flats for rent

There has been an explosion in the number of flats for rent on the property market in recent years. Due to rising housing costs, flats for rent can be a stepping-stone before making the jump to property ownership.

However, finding suitable flats for rent can be a long process. When hunting for properties - houses and apartments as well as flats for rent - the following tips will help you on your way:

 
Getting started

Decide on your budget and choose a suitable location before looking for flats for rent. Try writing down your requirements - transport, room size, furnishings - in order of preference, and refer to this throughout your property search to stay focused.

If you're looking for flats for rent, usually the first place to get started is by searching online for property or looking in your local newspaper classifieds at rental flat advertisements.

Flat type

Flats for rent come in all shapes and sizes, from shiny new-builds to Victorian conversions, so decide which type is for you to help narrow down your property search.

New build flats for rent offer extras such as parking spaces, secure entry and gym membership, but check whether there's an extra monthly service charge for these.

Conversion flats have history and character, but you should take into consideration parking restrictions and possible problems associated with older properties, for example subsidence and damp.

 
Get to know local letting agents

Strike up good relationships with local letting agents that deal with flats for rent in your area. Not only will you benefit from the advantage of their local expertise, but you may also be among the first to find out about new flats for rent on the market.

 
Decode estate agent talk

As with all sales pitches, descriptions of flats for rent in advertisements can sometimes end up looking like a string of clichés and hyperbole. Learn the lingo to avoid disappointment - ‘compact' often means small; ‘period' implies a historical style, but can also simply mean old; and ‘extensive', ‘superb', ‘luxury' and ‘unique' are usually filler words.

 
Viewing flats for rent

When viewing flats for rent, go with an open mind, but be prepared to ask questions to find out important information.

Remember to ask about the flat's furnishings and how the contract and notice period work. Searching for flats for rent like any rental property will also involve paying a deposit - often equivalent to four or five weeks' rent - held for the duration of your tenancy.