Introduction: Patrick Collinson, Money Editor of the Guardian newspaper in a public lecture offers some tips for renting a property in a hassle-free manner. The tips are useful in avoiding the common pitfalls involved in a house hunt.

London has millions of properties to rent. But It is quite common to see disputes arising between landlords and tenants on many issues because proper due diligence was absent while finalizing the rent deal.

To avoid such pitfalls, follow a method. So if you are looking for an apartment to rent in London, it is better to go methodically. There are many letting agencies and estate agents who can be of assistance to rent apartments in London.
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Those searching for the perfect house or flat to rent in London must know where to start the search, tenancy agreements, deposit protection schemes as well as household insurance cover. But the key is a person’s own budget.

• Finding a property for rent: If you are looking for a full property to rent, you can search online on an area basis. Check the website, homesandproperty.co.uk/rent that gives around one million properties as rentals in London.

• Budgeting: Work out your budget and stick to it. Estate agents often charge administration fees for their role in the renting process. There are some one-off payments include signing a contract, checking bank references or renewal charges for signing up extended rental period. Read more