First Time Renting

pledgeX

You say you're living at home at the minute. Have you ever lived away from home? If not, have you made a list of other expenditure you'll have (bills, food, petrol, savings etc) on top of rent? My outgoings a LOT more than my rent (well mortgage in my case - but it's on a comparable level).

There's a lot of hidden costs that can be tricky to work out if it's your first time moving out. I can give you a breakdown of mine if that's any help to you?

x.jem.x

You will need, on average, a month and a half month's rent for the deposit and then pay 1 months rent for your first month to live there.

For example, if the property was £550 per month, you would need £825 as a deposit and then another £550 to live there for the first month.

So you're looking at £1375 for a £550 per month property (which is what I paid when I moved into my £550 per month property last August).

Also, don't forget to include bills (council tax, gas, electricity, tv license and water rates) and food into the equation!

Having your own place is great but it sure is expensive!

Hope this helps!

Daddyo

Hi, try spareroom.co.uk . As the name suggests, these are landlords who have a spare room. THey are quite flexible with terms of rent (eg. 1,2,3,6 months)

Also they wont require a check that an estate agent runs (peed me right off.... i gave them all my details and then they just ring up or send an email. For me, and my first rental - they basically rang up my Dad to ask if I was trustworthy!!)

The house will have lots of equipment already there. And the clincher is, that as its their house they wont stand for any smashing the place up.

That said, my current place was a private ad in the local paper and I have fallen on my feet. Ive got two mates now which I didnt before and have socialised with them and their friends since.

Tiggy10

Hi, i did live away from home for 3 years at uni. the first year was in halls and all bills inclusive so thats hardly experience.
but my last 2 years were in a house share (with people i didn't know its easier, i wouldn't want to resent any of my friends i have had for years- they all are very different in the living department.) we paid rent and all of our own bills minus council tax so i have a fair idea of what to expect on that front.

thanks for all your help! i need to get saving!