Looking for accommodation in London can be stressful and time-consuming. This page includes tips and advice from Accommodation Services to make the process easier. To help you make the best choice of accommodation, you should also visit the Living section and read about safety and security in rented flats and houses.
Please note that Accommodation Services strongly recommend you view any private rented accommodation you are interested in before you accept it (and before you pay money). Only by viewing the accommodation can you decide whether it is suitable for you or not.
This is what you need to do to find accommodation:
- Come to London
- Think about what accommodation you want to look for, and where
- Look up accommodation offers
- Phone landlords and agents, make appointments
- Go and view accommodation to see whether you like it
- Talk to landlords and agents about the rent and length of contract
- Accept the accommodation (sign the contract and pay money)
Move in
This is what we can do to helpyou find accommodation:
- Explain how to find your way around London
- Advise on where you find accommodation offers, and how much money you will need to pay for accommodation
- Tell you what to check when you view
- Listen and talk it through if you are not sure about the accommodation
- Explain what you need to ask when you talk to landlords
- Check and explain your contract before you accept and sign
- Explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
You can download the following information documents to get you started:
- London postcode areas Different types of accommodation
- Visiting and Inspecting Properties
- Beware of Internet Scams!
- Tenancies, contracts, agreements
For information on other topics relating to looking for private sector accommodation, please select an option from the resources below:
