Costs of renting and living at home

RobLondon1984

What are the costs of renting a room? I am thinking rent/week would be £80 minimum.

So far, I come up with

Gas bill
Electricity bill
TV license
Broadband

I was thinking of sharing with say 3 people rather then living by myself, but though it would be too risky living with people you don't know. You have to share the bills, TV license and broadband. Also, they might stay up late, while I am sleeping, food, money and documents could go missing, arguments, etc

On the postive side, I could get along really well with the people I share with, and it could be good socially.

Or I could rent a one bedroom flat and live by myself

I proberly live at home, as it's cheaper

Any opinions?

Cheers

Lavendyr

Council tax
Water bill
Contents insurance
Sky (if you move into a house with it)
Telephone bill

Personally I reckon you should give a houseshare a go, it is very valuable experience to live with other people, whether friends or strangers, and it's a cheaper way to move out of home than renting alone. Good luck

Generali

Food. Don't forget food.

House shares can be a lot of fun. They're a nightmare too. I'm glad I did it but I wouldn't go back to it*.











*(Depending on how pretty my housemates were of course).

tanith

Its good to get out on your own but a houseshare turned into a nightmare for a young relative of mine, it was with so called mates and at the end of the lease 2 of them did a runner leaving the other 2 to clean up the mess which included lots of unpaid bills and all the rubbish and mess they left behind.... so choose your houseshare very carefully... and all will be well I am sure...

EDIT: from a secure point of view why not try renting a room first and see how that goes... it would be cheaper too..

pinkshoes

I've met some great friends through renting rooms with strangers... OK, sometimes you can get dodgy housemates, but when you go round to see the room, make sure you ask lots of questions i.e. do they have a cleaner (another cost if they do, but saves living in a pig sty). I'd say all good experiences I've had completely outweigh any bad experiences.

Council tax is usually the biggest expense. Don't forget that if you share with any students, they're exempt from paying council tax, so if it's a 4 bed house with 2 students, then the entire council tax bill will be paid by the 2 non-students.

I think you're worrying too much about the bad things. If you're worried about lack of sleep, check no one works shift. Don't leave money lying around etc... but don't treat them all like thieves, as they might find you strange!