rental in the UK now im scared!

i just graduated from college and i'm moving to london for 6 months, but i've been living at my parent's house for the past 2 years so i have no one to ask for a reference letter.  i did rent a place a couple years ago so maybe i could still ask them for a letter.  is it pretty standard to have references even with so many people form other countries living in london, or is it possible to move there and just pay a deposit and first month's rent?

Shop around.  Most places I have lived in have not wanted references.

A good place to start for flat shares in London is www.gumtree.com  A lot of people on there are overseas nationals in the same position as you.


Vicky

If you are planning on moving into a flatshare it's unlikely you'll need references.  As well as Gumtree, check out the Loot (loot.com), loads of flatmate ads in there. 

ok thanks.  what about if i want my own place? will i need references then?

Yes,  you will need something but in your situation they will most likely accept bank & employer references. They just want to know you can pay the rent.

I had to use my friend who's living in Peterborough to act as a guarantor to co-sign the lease. I also had to pay about 1200 pounds in deposits and fees. Since you're going to be here such a short period of time and housing is so expensive in London, you may want to consider a flatshare. You'll be able to get something in a much better area of the city if you have roommates.

hmm thanks for the tips. i'd rather not have a flatmate if possible.  anyone know of good areas to look that are cheaper but still close to the tube?

Have a look at the tube map...the further out, the cheaper.  But, sometimes, the further out the scuzzier.  You might find a cheap studio/bedsit in somewhere like Wood Green, up at the top of the Piccadilly Line, but I wouldn't recommend a lone female living there!

Vicky

A friend of mine used to have a barely affordable studio flat in Belsize Park, you could try looking around that area, and Swiss Cottage/West Hampstead. 

Having spent years renting, I honestly think that a flatshare in London is the best way to go.  If you are on your own you may only be able to afford a very small place, and will be having to pay all the bills on your own.  Sharing is a good way to reduce your costs, you could potentially live somewhere really very nice, and if you are new to a country it is a good way to meet people and make friends.   And if you don't like it, you can always move out!

Vicky

These are all good points, Vicky. When I first started looking for a place in Bath I really had a hard time dealing with letting agents while I was in the US. People are much more eager to rent to someone who's standing in their office. I found it to be a bit cutthroat and frustrating. I ended up finding a flatmate on www.easyroommate.com. I figured at least I'd have a place to stay when I got here! Plus, he's been really helpful helping me with questions about Bath and the area. He's fine to live with, but I wanted my own place so I can bring my kitties. Once I was here it was much easier to look for my own flat and I'll be moving out next weekend! 

I had to pay 6 months in advance , after six month now the agent is asking £60 to renew
the contact with £25 increase of rent..
The agent are here to make money ...
kal

60 pound fee to renew AND 25 pound rent increase after 6 months?? I think I'd look for a new place!

oh yeah letting agents are professional rip off artists; try and rent through a private landlord if you can

That's not all it's cracked up to be either.  Our landlord is happy to collect the rent but reluctant to do any maintenance..