Hoping to rent a bedsit room - questions

PollyOnAMission

I've jsut had a quick look at pre payment meter rates for some of the energy suppliers. Generally the unit rate for electricity is 12-14p and the standing charge is between 20-40p per day. I saw one with no standing charge and that was 16.5p per kWh.

top_drawer_2

Hi

Thanks for all the responses.

I don't know if its a registered h m o - does have two flats and 4 bedsits in the building though. I currently pay an all in rent so have no idea of actual unit cost. She didn't mention a standing charge.

Polly on a mission - for 10 kWh what can i expect in terms of use? How long use would I get out of a drier?

I am a little concerned about living in such a small space 24/7, hence trying to get as much out of the space as possible. I can't stay where I am and I am really struggling to find anywhere that is acceptable in terms of space needed, rent, living somewhere I can call home I.e not a doss house nor anywhere committing any fraudulant activities and on a decent bus route as I work shifts early/lates. I've been looking for several months now and two fell through for different teasons. I'm really not having any luck at the moment.

RAS

Just checked argos and they are quoting 3.99Kwh per cycle (cotton) so expect thicker clothes to cost more.

Estimate 80p to £1 per session.

top-drawer

You need to know if this place is an HMO. Ask the Council.

The electricity thing alone makes me very nervous about this place and you could well get in and find that it is a fire trap etc.

Fire_Fox

top_drawer wrote: »

hi again,

Just got reply for the LA re the questions I have asked:

The electricity is 21pence per KWH - is this good/bad? They have a drier in the basement too (they are encouraging us to use this, see below) which I would have thought would get quite pricey for 2/3 loads a week.

There is an aerial point in the studio - !!

No to the pulley system in the actual flat but you could put one in the lobby way or there is a bin store at the end of the lobby where your bike could be kept and chained to drain pipe. (The lobby is shared with next door so would be at your own risk).

Apparently the owner just said No but ok in the lobby way.

We also say it’s not a good idea to dry washing in the room because this can cause bad condensation; this is the reason why the laundry facilities have been provided in the cellar. I have said that obviously I would open a window......

You see anymore issues?

Jenny

Agree they have an good point about condensation, you need through air flow which means leaving door and window open for most of the time you are drying laundry, that is hugely restrictive.

Cheaper alternative to tumble dryer is an electric dehumidifier in your room - this will keep any damp down, mean you don't have to open windows in winter, kick out a little heat which you will benefit from. I have an airer very similar to this IKEA one, it folds completely flat, has a small footprint and holds a crazy amount of laundry, far more than a old style ceiling airer which don't actually hold that much.

Do ask the agent about the standing change, check with the council about the HMO and council tax. Landlord is not supposed to resell energy at a higher price than they are paying but they do, or they may be on a pricey business tariff. Can you not live somewhere you share kitchen and bathroom? Usually they are better value for money than self contained.

top_drawer_2

Mm you may be right on the condensation issue ...

top_drawer_2

hello

Thank you everyone for the replies they have all been very helpful.

At the moment I haven't taken the room - I am still not 100% on how much electricity I would be needing to use a day (therefore how much a day I would be paying out, basic) but I suspect it will be high - particularly if its cold as getting a room warm takes time and then who sits in all night, every night ... not me, I'm home after work then again at late evening and out and about - college/seeing friends etc and that will soon add up.

The LA seemed to be one of the good one too - fees are £69 and they only want the standard months rent as deposit + month in advance compared to £100+ fees at other local LA's it seemed amazing!

I am desperate to move - currently living with what could be very loosely described as a "friend" as her lodger. Thought I would get a decent standard of living + cosy flatshare type arrangement but got a miser who moans about my very existence (+ using the heating, any noise, using space when she wants too) and generally dominates everything. I am just expected to disappear into my room every night or go out if I'm not at work. I am "allowed" the tiny front lounge as "my" room which she comes and goes as she wishes, a small cupboard in the kitchen - no freezer/fridge as she "needs" it to store her million precooked items - she "depends on it for her budgeting" and a shelf in the bathroom - she is absolutely rolling in money.

I have viewed numerous houses - literally every doss house in Preston and the twice I seen something I like and they have fallen through - one as the Landlady decided to rent out an additional room when she had previously said she wouldn't, the house is a small terrace and I didnt want to live with 2 others in such close proximity (did I mention I am already cramped enough?).

I am not getting responses I want either and I'm not sure why - I'm nice, polite, clean and am looking for a home! I went to view a house share a few weeks ago (renter sublets rooms) checked they were OK with my guinea pig first and had everything I am looking for and then when I asked for a second viewing to check things (+ hand over a cheque for the deposit) he said the room had gone. Its still been on advertised on both sites I use though - the one I contacted him through included. I emailed a 3rd house (got sick of waiting for a response and rang the tel number) and viewed it on Friday and I was keen. In the process of chatting to to one of the tenants and when I clarified that I would be bringing a pet, he said that the LA who they let through doesn't allow pets (feasible) but he would check the situation on Monday. Texted on Monday saying I was interested/keen/good to meet you etc and no response as yet....

Others I've contacted them on the sites I'm using and no response to my emails - even when I have contacted them a second time!

;(( I've got to take time off over Easter and I really didn't want to have to be home much for it as its miserable.

TD

Goldblend_2

Wishing you all the best darling what ever you decide to do about the bedsit / studio. xx