h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Renting a property is pretty much the only way many people can afford to live in a big city. You can get some really great homes but there are also some big pitfalls. I've rented about 6 different places in London so far, and paid from £500 per month for a tiny onebed flat with added mice, to over £1000 per month for the house I currently share. Ex-council houses are very good to rent, the build quality and room size are often pretty good, and my estate is very pedestrianised which made for a lovely change after my previous flat on a busy road by an all-night bus-stop.

You need to allow a couple of weeks for househunting if you can, and having a mobile phone, an early start and an understanding boss are all very helpful. Pick up the the listings mags like Loot, and get looking. It helps if you have an area and a budget in mind. Ask your friends which areas they like, think about the transport links and where you want to get to most. Check put the local pubs in the area when househunting - your feet will need a rest, you'll need a beer and you can suss out the atmosphere and the locals.

Of course you need to check the places you view for damp, the quality of the fittings, the heating, phone lines and the functionality of the heating and bathroom. Then sit down in the living room and try to feel at home... if you do, then thats the right place!