{From My Mail Bag/Practical Tid-bits} A Few Questions About Renting…

March 19, 2012 by 4 Comments

AG Esther writes, 

“Hi AG, I have a few questions about renting a flat/house in London. First, why do some rental agencies list the price per month, and some per week, and why are these numbers different?” 

Usually rental sites (Rightmove, Find a Property, etc.) list the rental prices per week, however you are charged per month. Therefore, depending on the month, your rent will likely be just a little over 4 weeks rent, since there are usually more than 28 days in a month. 


Secondly, “What is council tax?” 

Ugh. Unlike the States, when you rent a property in the UK you are responsible for what is basically the equivalent of the property taxes. Frustrating, I know. Council tax is calculated in “bands” and is based on the value of the property. To check out council tax prices in your area, click here. 


And finally, “Do agencies charge a fee?” 

Yes. However, generally speaking this is paid from the landlord who has listed the property, so usually you are not charged. That said, it is common for the agency (Foxtons, Knight Frank, etc) to charge a small contract fee (usually around £100) for all of the paperwork that goes into signing a lease. 

Hope that helps! 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Council Tax, Find a Property, finding a flat in London, From my Mail Bag, Practical Tid-Bits, rental agency fees, Renting a flat in London, Rightmove