Where to find UK flat rentals

Flat-hunting in the UK is a lot like Squid Game, only with more bloodshed.

Websites to search on:

• Zoopla – the biggest site. If you’re only going to use one, probably use this one

• Rightmove – another of the big listing websites

• SearchSmartly – a new kid on the block, but they have some really smart search features like the ability to filter by the time it will take you to get to work using public transport

• OnTheMarket – fewer listings, but a great search interface

• SpareRoom – the best place to find a room if you’re happy to share with housemates

• OpenRent – a site that helps you rent directly from landlords. You’ve got to be a bit more forgiving about the quality of the photos, but it's possible to find good deals if you're patient.

If you find a place you like, it's important to move quickly. It helps to have an information pack already prepared to email the estate agent if you want to make an offer to rent. I like to include:

• A cover letter containing your key information. Here's a template for you to use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W7YtnvEt4YiNCzDyup0RzvJlnjEvi91GVNsSl5ijX4A/edit?usp=sharing

• Recent bank statements (three months if possible).

• Pay slips (three months if possible).

• Your employment contract or a letter from your HR department (if employed).

• A letter from your accountant about last year’s income (if self-employed).

• A scan of your passport and a document that proves your right to rent in the UK (this might be your biometric residence card, an EU passport, or your visa). 

Also, bear in mind that you might need to pay 6 months rent upfront because you have no credit history in the UK.

Finding a short-term rental

For most newcomers, I usually recommend booking a short-term rental for the first 1-2 months in the UK while you find a long-term home. Here's where you can find short-term rentals of between a few weeks - a few months.

• Through friends. The ideal option is finding a friend or friend-of-a-friend who’s planning to be away over that time, whose flat you can stay in. Ask any UK friends to keep their eyes open for these options.

• Airbnb. Widest range. Easy to book. Can be expensive.

• Foxtons. A big UK rental agency, who also have short-term let options (but beware, they have a reputation as giant assholes).

• SpareRoom. These are rentals in shared homes. Tick the ‘short-term lets’ checkbox in the search filters. Can be more affordable than the other options you’ll find here, but you’ll probably have housemates (and inherit cupboardfuls of former tenants’ takeaway containers).

• Home To Go. Pricey but glam.

• Vrbo. Pricey but glam.

• Hotels. Super-convenient and flexible, but you will quickly miss having a kitchen and washing machine. Try Booking.com.