London is a notoriously tough city when it comes to housing. Unless you have great credit and references, you’ll have a hard time finding something that you’ll like there. And, even if you find something, there’s a strong chance that it will be out of your reach. But there’s still the option of renting a room in the city either for the long term or until you find something permanent. Let’s take a look at how you can find a great affordable room to rent in London.
Choose the Right Area
If you want something cheap, you have to be ready to accept that it probably won’t be in the best part of the city. But, as you move further away from the city centre, you might find a decent neighbourhood with affordable rooms that are close to nice areas. This is the type of place you should concentrate your search on.
Places like Hackney are a perfect example. While it’s an up-and-coming neighbourhood, it’s right next to Shoreditch which is one of the best parts of the city and it still has some of the feel. So, you should be able to find something that is acceptable there for a reasonable price.
Use Room Rental Sites
The easiest way to find a room in the city is to use one of the multiple room search sites. Sites like Room Club, for instance, are great for people looking for rooms to rent in London. Other sites you could consider include EasyRoommate and Gumtree.
Interview Possible Roommates
The next thing you should do is start organising visits to different rooms and interviewing the people you’ll be living with. Things must mesh between the two of you. If you feel as though the energy isn’t right, then it would be wiser to follow your gut.
Do not make the mistake of going with someone you’re not comfortable with 100%. Not only could this turn dangerous, but you will most likely clash at some point. So, it’s better to stick with people who have the same habits as you.
You should also ask about their schedule. You don’t want to live with someone who works nights if you’re working during the day, for instance. This would make things hard for you when they’re sleeping during the day as they might have noise restrictions. You also have to know if they’re open to things like drinking and smoking. This will be helpful whether you like to as well, or if you can’t live with someone who smokes and drinks.
Have Everything Down on Paper
Once you’ve found a place that you can call home, at least for the time being, you have to draft a contract. It doesn’t have to be complicated, however. Just make sure that the period during which you’ll be staying is clearly marked and that your name and the roommate or property managers’ name are marked as well. Don’t forget to both sign the document afterward too.
These are all tips that you can follow when looking for an affordable room in London. Take the time to do your research and check as many units as you can before making your choice.
