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I'll be "living in a box...

By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

...living in a cardboard box"

Well, not really. I'm selling up soon and will be moving into rented accommodation. I'm looking at city centre loft living/apartments but I'm a little concerned about the noise aspect from those above and below me as I work occasional nights. Traffic and general noise is ok but it will be the selfish loud music players that may cause me trouble.

So people, who lives in such a habitat and how do you cope?

Are there any good questions to ask the landlord/estate agents before I decide?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"...living in a cardboard box"

So people, who lives in such a habitat and how do you cope?

Are there any good questions to ask the landlord/estate agents before I decide?"

& u'l b surrounded by, Polish. In those types of accommodation.

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By *iewMan over a year ago
Forum Mod

Angus & Findhorn

I lived in Bristol city centre on the river, was great but the ducks squaked all through the summer, all night.

Then in the Merchant City Glasgow and you hear the d*unks all night heading home.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

"...living in a cardboard box"

So people, who lives in such a habitat and how do you cope?

Are there any good questions to ask the landlord/estate agents before I decide?

& u'l b surrounded by, Polish. In those types of accommodation. "

Is that a problem then?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I would definitely recommend a nice loft. The sound from below is pretty negligible compared to someone living above you.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

"I lived in Bristol city centre on the river, was great but the ducks squaked all through the summer, all night.

Then in the Merchant City Glasgow and you hear the d*unks all night heading home.

"Squaked". I like it. I dare you to use it in conversation some time this week.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

"I would definitely recommend a nice loft. The sound from below is pretty negligible compared to someone living above you.

I've seen a few online and they do seem to be the ones that go first.

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By *uckyinlustMan over a year ago

manchester

Move in for a weeks trial first

Knock on neighbours doors and ask .........

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By *opping_candyWoman over a year ago

West Yorkshire

Luckily if _iewing somewhere in the daytime you should get an idea of what the noise levels are like in the day.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Other tips (apologies if they are obvious) :

1) Don't be afraid to try pretty much every in the flat (turn on shower, taps, etc) and have a good look everywhere.

2) If you are looking at a few, take pictures (you'll be surprised how quick they merge in your memory)

3) Make sure the estate agent uses a 3rd party for a deposit and get the receipt /notification ASAP.

4) Make your own inventory with pictures along with the estate agents and if possible get them to sign off on it.

I would say don't be afraid to haggle a little but as you said, lofts are in high demand.

I've had to deal with numerous unscrupulous estate agents and landlords over the years.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

"Other tips (apologies if they are obvious) :

1) Don't be afraid to try pretty much every in the flat (turn on shower, taps, etc) and have a good look everywhere.

2) If you are looking at a few, take pictures (you'll be surprised how quick they merge in your memory)

3) Make sure the estate agent uses a 3rd party for a deposit and get the receipt /notification ASAP.

4) Make your own inventory with pictures along with the estate agents and if possible get them to sign off on it.

I would say don't be afraid to haggle a little but as you said, lofts are in high demand.

I've had to deal with numerous unscrupulous estate agents and landlords over the years. "

Thank you. None of your advice I knew about and it has clarified a few things for me.

Why a third party for the deposit? Is it ensure I get it back and just how much bargaining power do I actually have?

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

"Move in for a weeks trial first

Knock on neighbours doors and ask .........

Is that even possible?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Move in for a weeks trial first

Knock on neighbours doors and ask .........

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By *opping_candyWoman over a year ago

West Yorkshire

"Move in for a weeks trial first

Knock on neighbours doors and ask .........

Is that even possible?"

I don't think anyone is going to let you move in for a week sadly. You could pop by at different times of day and see what the noise is like.

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By *nnyMan over a year ago

Glasgow

"Move in for a weeks trial first

Knock on neighbours doors and ask .........

Is that even possible?"

If not the very flat/ loft, maybe one across the street or just round the corner?

You'll get an idea if the natives are friendly ...... or headhunters.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

What is wrong with moving in next door to Polish people?

We have never had any problem with foreign neighbours.

Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhh Idiots

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Why a third party for the deposit? Is it ensure I get it back and just how much bargaining power do I actually have?"

Third party agencies are impartial where as estate agents are happy to screw you for every penny they can (they will try and keep your deposit with any bullshit excuse) . I think it may even be a law now to protect renters because of this. If any dispute arises when you leave this agency will decide instead. Funnily, I always won.

Not sure on bargaining power as it depends on the market in your area really. I managed to get 8% off monthly rent just because it was a reasonably expensive place and there was a layer of dust noticeable (which would have been cleaned after the previous occupants moved out), so I knew it had been empty for a few months.

Also a private landlord is cheaper but there are more risks. If you can find a decent private rental where the landlord plays above board (deposit agency for example) I personally would go with that but it is your choice. I loath estate agents now after my experiences with them (apologies if anyone here is).

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By *ee VianteWoman over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

There is now law saying deposits must be kept in a protected scheme or the tenancy agreement is invalid. I'm not certain of the exact details though.

I know the landlord is supposed to send the tenant proof of which scheme the deposit is in.

Shelter, the C.A.B., or similar, will have the full details.

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By *opsy Rogers OP Woman over a year ago

London

You lovely people!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago