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Housing, sofa surfing and homelessness

Flat hunting tips from our own experiences:

Try to be honest with yourself about a) where you want to live, b) who you want to live with, and c) why
When looking at a property, go with a friend and get a second opinion ... making sure your friend is sensible!
When looking, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s going to be your home
If you’re seeing more than one place, it can be easier to compare them if you devise a check-up list for each property
When you think you've found 'the place', check it out at different times of the day/ week

Can you honestly afford the rent? Make a complete budget of all your income and outgoings
Find out precisely what you have to pay on top of the rent and if the bills are shared, etc
Almost without exception, you are responsible for a TV licence. If you get caught, the fines can be heavy!
Landlords require references and deposits. Try and arrange this before you start looking

If you have ANY doubts, concerns or queries, get professional advice BEFORE you agree to or sign anything
Make sure you understand the terms you agree under which you hand over the deposit, and get it back when you leave
Read all contracts and agreements carefully – including the weeny small print
Get written receipts for all transactions
Keep notes and write stuff down

Think very carefully before moving in with an ex, sleeping with the landlord, sleeping with a flatmate or the partner of a flatmate or the best friend of a flatmate (you get where this is going)

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