Flatlands Agency

Has anybody used this company in London?  It's apparently a sort of "introduction agency" to landlords, bypassing estate agents.  The sign-up fee is about £65 for 3 months of setting up appointments with landlords.  I'm looking for a large studio or a one-bedroom (NOT sharing, thank you) and I'm also working a lot so don't have time to go bouncing around to estate agents in the areas I'm interested in, so I'm wondering if this is a worthwhile company to sign with.

I don't know, but I would hesitate strongly before forking over any money for someone to find you a place to live.  Estate agents do that for free!!

I'm worried at the moment about time, I have a pretty intense job, lots of overtime.  I spent today pounding the pavements in some areas I am interested in - Aldgate, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green and I did buy a copy of The Loot, but I'm getting kind of desperate.  Just didn't want to get ripped off too badly and was wondering if anybody had had any experience with them in the past.

I hope I'm not too late answering your post.

I was tempted to use Flatland when I first moved here too but did not.  I have heard that it is basically a big ol' ripoff aimed at new arrivals and that they take your money and nothing else.  As much as it sucks, looking for a flat yourself is really the only way to go....

Thanks, I haven't gone that route.  My boss knows a guy that owns a building that MAY have a vacancy a mile from work, so it will hopefully work out in my favour.  At least he shouldn't be asking for a lot of money to take up my references since I'm working for his solicitor.