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5 stress-free tips to finding a flat in Edinburgh

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Finding flats to rent in Edinburgh may be a stressful job for tenants. Here are some stress-free tips to finding somewhere to live in the Scottish city
Finding flats to rent in Edinburgh can be a stressful job. Unfortunately, good properties are not sufficient to meet the demands of tenants. You have to deal with fierce competition and high rents.
A new tenancy can increase your stress because there are plenty of things to handle. No doubt, you will need sufficient time to search an excellent property. You can save time by shortlisting relevant properties. If you are using online sources to search a property, make sure to choose properties with wide-angled photographs of rooms. Check a floorplan in advertisements to find out the size and layout of a property before visiting it. 
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Before visiting a property, read its complete descriptions on local areas. If an advertisement fails to provide you with essential details, you should not visit this property. Here are five essential things that will help you to find a flat in Edinburgh without stress.

Avoid First Come and First Served Approach

Fierce competition forces tenants to deposit security amount to rent a property immediately. Make sure to avoid this practice to get the best place for your family. Check the property and write a cover letter to the prospective landlord. Try to explain why you can be a good tenant. 

Select Your Neighbourhood

Before finalising a flat, make sure to wander around the neighbourhood to observe the general atmosphere. Some famous areas to rent a flat are Newington, Portobello, Tollcross, Stockbridge, Corstorphine, Haymarket and Dalry, and Bruntsfield.

Estimate Your Budget

After renting a flat, you have to pay council and internet tax, rent and bills. You have to pay a security deposit that is equivalent to 1 month’s rent. Prices may vary, such as a room in shared flats required you to pay monthly £350 to 650. A private flat with one bedroom is available in £550+ monthly rent. Power bills may vary between £40 and £80 per month. 

Things to Check Before Signing a Contract

Before signing a contract, you have to double check these things:
  • Check double gazed windows for winter. These are essential to keep your building warm
  • The flat must have central gas heating to keep your rooms warm in winter. Ensure the availability of carbon monoxide detector and fire alarms. You can check the average bills for each month
  • Windows of your flat must allow sufficient sunlight to provide you with vitamin D. It is necessary for the strength of your bones
  • The sun rises between 4:00am and 4:30am, so your flat must have blinds and curtains to block out the sunlight
  • Flat must have a powerful shower and a comfortable mattress
  • Choose a flat at a central location to easily access public transport

Must Knows to Avoid Potential Problems

Before signing a contract, read it carefully to avoid complicated clauses. You can ask for a copy of the agreement for your records. Ask for the registration number of landlords.  If you are sharing your flat, you should have proof of your finances and paid bills to avoid any dispute. Note electric and gas meter readings for each month to prevent overbilling.   

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