Let’s admit it; London is expensive. The average rent for one-bedroom flats in the city is around £1,100 per month, which is why short term rentals can be a great alternative for many people. If you’re thinking about subletting your apartment and renting it out on a short term basis to tourists or travelers from other cities, here are our top tips on how to find the perfect place and negotiate with your landlord so that everyone benefits from this opportunity.
Before you even take a look at any properties, it’s important to assess your needs and expectations. What kind of property are you looking for? What size? What location? What price range? How many bedrooms do you need? These are all important things you should think about before you start looking for a place to rent for a short term period. You can also consider things like whether or how the property is furnished, if it has WiFi, or if there’s parking available. You should also consider how long you’ll be renting for. If it’s just for a few months, you can perhaps be a bit more flexible with where you are and what you get. If you’re looking for a long-term rental, though, it might be a good idea to be a bit more discerning and to find something that’s a bit more permanent.
When you go to view a property, make sure to ask all the right questions. What are the terms of the contract? What are the fees? Who is the landlord? What are the neighbors like? Ask everyone you can about the building, the neighborhood, and the surrounding area. The more you know, the more prepared you are to make a wiser decision. Make sure you take note of any maintenance problems, and make sure you’re aware of any issues that might come up later on. Look into the history of the building as well, and make sure that the issues are something that are easily resolvable, and not ongoing problems.
When renting a place, you will most likely have to sign a contract. Make sure to read the small print, and be sure you understand everything that is being asked of you. There might be a clause that says you have to pay for a new carpet if one gets stained. There might be a clause that says you have to pay for utilities even if you don’t live there for the entire period. Be sure you’re aware of these things, and be sure you can live with the terms of the contract.
Be friendly, make sure you show up on time, pay your rent on time, and be reliable. These are the best ways to ensure that you have a good relationship with your landlord. These will help you, and they could also help you to get a discount on your rent. If you’re on good terms with your landlord, they might be more willing to negotiate with you when it comes time to renew your contract. They might be more willing to let you stay on a bit longer or let you sublet to someone you know even if you’re not the original contract holder.
When you’re negotiating with your landlord, be sure to ask about a discount. If you’ve been a good tenant, and if you’ve been good to the building or neighbourhood, you might be able to get a discount on your rent. If you’re able to get a discount, you might be able to use that money to put down a deposit and extend your stay. If you’re not able to get a discount, you can still negotiate and determine the price you’d like to pay. If the landlord is asking for £1,000, you might be able to offer £750 or £800. You might be able to sweeten the deal with a trade, like giving them access to your WiFi or offering to pay for their internet or cable.
Short term rentals are a great way to make a little extra money while you’re in London. If you follow these tips, though, you should be able to find just the right place for a great price. Make sure to assess your needs, ask the right questions, and establish a good relationship with your landlord before you start looking. Once you find the right property, be sure to negotiate and determine the price you’d like to pay.
