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Property Rental Tips in London

Renting in London is on the way back up after almost 18 months of falling rents and rental yields. Good news for landlords, grim tidings for those seeking to rent.

Some reports show that prime London rentals while down 10% over the past year are showing monthly rises of almost 2% with the average rental now almost £800. This coincides with a 5% fall in letting stock as many landlords sell up and quit the market.

But the rental stock remains considerable and if you follow a few basic rules renting should be easy and straightforward.

Firstly do your research. London is a big place so you will need to narrow down your search area. Start with transport links to where you need to go and then check out things like schools, shops, supermarkets, pubs and other amenities. Wander around on foot to get a feel for the area.

Don`t just walk into the nearest estate agency and ask to see the available properties. London is especially well served by internet sites and message boards which will give you an idea of availability and prices. And most newspapers have online and offline listings of regularly updated available properties.

Parking in London is at a premium and can be expensive so make sure you ask about the availability of parking at the property and any costs for on street parking.

And make sure you check out the nearest tube and railway station and what travel zone the property is in. It will make a big difference to your travel costs. It is always worth finding out any congestion charges that may apply if you drive around town.

Finally always haggle to reduce the rent. No landlord wants an empty property so you have the upper hand in any discussion.

As a tenant, no matter where the rental property is located, you do have certain rights. You have rights to live in the property until the end of the contract or unless a court order is obtained, normally for a breach of the tenancy agreement. You have the right to privacy and to live in the property without being disturbed by the landlord or anyone else. And by law your landlord must keep the building in good condition, to maintain heating, cooking and water equipment and to undertake repairs. Sadly it is down to you to keep the property clean.

But with rights come responsibilities as a tenant. First and foremost you must pay your rent on time and in full. You must also take good care of the property to avoid damage and you must grant reasonable access to allow repairs and maintenance to be undertaken. And it is always a good idea to let your landlord know if you are leaving the property empty for a week or longer.

And in the event that you find renting in London too difficult and too expensive, you might want to try looking for a property rental in Durham. Like London it too has a castle, a university and a Cathedral. Unlike London you will not pay through the nose.