Standards across the residential market can vary substantially from landlord to landlord, and it’s difficult to know in advance what your new landlord is going to be like.  At the moment, there are no national review sites to help you decide which landlord to work with and often people make a choice based on the property rather than how good the landlord is.

The rental market in London is expanse, so choosing to rent from an agent ensures that your experience is up to standard and will give you the security of having a professional on hand. Many tenants struggle with how to find a flat in London without stress or confusion, so at Mind the Flat, it is our explicit goal to protect and benefit renters and landlords and make the process of living in London in co-living spaces simple and enjoyable.

The total cost of the deposit is equivalent to 5 weeks rent and will be paid prior to the commencement of the tenancy. Once the deposit is collected by us, we send it to the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), which is a custodial scheme that keeps deposit money safe for tenants. They are authorised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide tenancy deposit protection in England and Wales. At this point we do not have direct access to your deposit, and it will remain with DPS throughout your tenancy. For more information about this scheme, please read our blog post.

The deposit refund request will be put through to DPS within 10 working days from your end of notice/tenancy agreement date. Once any deductions for damage or defaults have been established, you will be notified should we make any deductions for unpaid rent or damage caused by you or your guests to the property or furnishings. Deductions will not be made for general wear and tear on the property or furnishings. You will receive an email from DPS with your repayment ID. You will create a log-in to request your deposit back as it is held by them; please note that Mind the Flat cannot pay the amount directly to you. Should you have any issues with claiming your deposit please contact DPS by phone on 0330 303 0030.

You’II be asked to give references to show you can afford the property and will be a good tenant during the flatshare.

You’ll have to fill in a reference form online from:

• your current landlord or previous landlords
• your employer – to show you have a job and it will continue

If you’re self-employed, you will need to give copies of your trading accounts and an accountant’s reference.

Our referencing process also includes an affordability calculation. Your annual earnings (as an individual or as a couple) must be equal to or more than 2.5 times the annual rent. If you fall short of these figures, then you can introduce a guarantor under the condition that they are UK/EU based with annual earnings equal to or more than 3 times your annual rent as well as being a homeowner.

Yes we do! Our rooms for rent make great student rooms due to their co-living set ups and our extensive support as standard.

If you are student, you will be asked to provide a guarantor or to pay your rent in advance. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you don’t – you could ask your parents or someone else in your family to do this.

From 1 February 2016, all private landlords and agents in England must check that new tenants have the right to be in the UK before renting out their property. Right to rent was introduced in the Immigration Act 2014 as part of the government’s reforms to build a fairer and more effective immigration system.

Acceptable documents for a proof of identity (ID) include: a valid passport, EEA member state identity card, current UK or EEA photo card driving licence, full old-style driving licence, photographic resignation cards for self-employed individuals in the construction industry CIS4, residence permit issued by the Home Office to EEA nationals on sight of own country passport, and national identity card bearing a photograph of the applicant.

Acceptable documents for proof of address include: a utility bill (gas, satellite television, landline phone bill) issued within the last 3 months, local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year, current UK driving licence, Bank, Building Society, council or housing associated rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year, HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand dated within the current financial year, electoral register entry, NHS medical card or letter of confirmation for GP’s practice of registration with the surgery.

Documents we will not accept include, but are not limited to: provisional driving licence, mobile phone bills, and credit card statements. It is important to note that you cannot use one form of identification for both name and address. For example, if you provide your driving licence as proof of your name you must provide another form of identification for your address, such as a utility bill. From 1 February 2016, all private landlords and agents in England must check that new tenants have the right to be in the UK before renting out their property. Right to rent was introduced in the Immigration Act 2014 as part of the government’s reforms to build a fairer and more effective immigration system.

Acceptable documents for a proof of identity (ID) include: a valid passport, EEA member state identity card, current UK or EEA photo card driving licence, full old-style driving licence, photographic resignation cards for self-employed individuals in the construction industry CIS4, residence permit issued by the Home Office to EEA nationals on sight of own country passport, and national identity card bearing a photograph of the applicant.

Acceptable documents for proof of address include: a utility bill (gas, satellite television, landline phone bill) issued within the last 3 months, local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year, current UK driving licence, Bank, Building Society, council or housing associated rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year, HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand dated within the current financial year, electoral register entry, NHS medical card or letter of confirmation for GP’s practice of registration with the surgery. 

Documents we will not accept include, but are not limited to: provisional driving licence, mobile phone bills, and credit card statements. It is important to note that you cannot use one form of identification for both name and address. For example, if you provide your driving licence as proof of your name you must provide another form of identification for your address, such as a utility bill.

The reason we charge rent before you move in, is because when you rent a room tenants pay in advance. When you make a payment, you are paying the upcoming rental period for your room share.

All our properties are fully furnished with standard amenities, including bed, wardrobe or chest of drawers, fridge, cooker, washing machine, cutlery and cooking utensils, kettle, and microwave. 

Utilities, property taxes, and services paid by us include council tax, water, electricity, gas, and unlimited internet, and Television License, making your payment all-inclusive and meaning that you can make the most of cheaper rooms to rent in London.

Agents in England are not required to be registered; however, you should always look for room rental agents who are members of professional trade bodies to ensure you get the best service.

Indeed, not all rental agents in London are accredited. We pride ourselves on being member of The Property Ombudsman scheme (Membership No D11619) and Member of London Landlord Accreditation Scheme, in addition from our years of experience as HMO letting agents in London.

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme provides a free, fair, and independent service to protect consumers from unfair practice, whereas LLAS is an educational organisation aims to recognise good practice and improve conditions in the private rented sector.

No, from 1 June 2020, agency fees are banned. The ban covers assured shorthold tenants, lettings for student accommodation and lodgers living with a private landlord. You can’t be charged for things like:

• references
• administration
• credit and immigration checks
• renewing your tenancy when your fixed term contract ends

Key collections take place at the Mind the Flat offices on Latimer Road.

If you are collecting keys on the day your contract starts then you can pick them up between 15:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, or on Saturdays between 12:00 and 15:00.

If you wish to collect your keys after you contract start date, you can come anytime between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, and Saturdays between 10:00 and 15:00.

In any case, welcome! It is a pleasure to have you.