We have lots of experience in helping teachers in the quest to find accommodation here in the UK and understand that everyone has different wants and needs.
Below is some general information about where might be a good place to start looking while you are still based at home.
If you are looking for your own property:
Of course, many people may prefer to live alone or are coming with a family, and if this is the case for you then you may want to look for a property to rent out on your own. This will be more costly than a house share but if you really like your own space it could be worth it. You’re more likely to find such properties through estate agencies which and you can expect to normally pay at least a month's deposit and potentially a month’s rent in advance.
With this route, especially if renting through an agency, you will have to go through some checks, such as your income, credit rating and a job reference, to ensure that you are able to afford and keep up with the payments.
Your Move
If you are looking for a house share:
For many people who are looking independently for a home, flat or house sharing is an ideal option, not just for financial reasons, but for those who would like the company too.
It’s completely up to you how you want to go about this, as you can either look to join a house that already has tenants or you may want to look into finding other supply teachers in a similar position to yourself who you can live with.
If looking for house shares that are already set up, there are a number of really useful websites where you can search for your specific area and needs, such as costs etc.
The above is just general advice and the team here will be able to help you with specifics related to the location you are moving to, and often your school can help too. So please get in touch with your consultant with any further questions
Whether you decide to rent your own place or are renting a room in a house share, you will be required to provide documentation to secure your new home!
Documents Required
Proof of Right to Work - Normally your Passport and/or Visa
Confirmation of Employment - This can be provided by iCan Teach UK or your school, depending on how you are employed
References - If you are relocating from overseas then you may be asked to provide referneces from landlords in your home country, although this isn't always required
Things to consider:
Unfurnished or Furnished?
Once you have made the decision to rent, whether, with others or alone, you will need to consider choosing a property that is either furnished or unfurnished. For those moving from abroad, having an already furnished home is most likely to be the easiest option, as you won’t need to worry about buying or finding any furniture. Of course, it is worth taking into consideration that none of these items will belong to you, so if anything is damaged, you will need to pay out for things to be fixed or replaced. There’s also the fact that the furniture might not be to your taste and you may want to make your place more homely by filling the space with items you have chosen yourself.
Who supplied the utilities?
Find out who supplies the gas and electricity to your new residence and look into quotes from them and other suppliers. You will need to register your details and quote the meters on your first day living there – this way you will avoid being charged for the amount of gas and electricity that the previous tenants would have used.
Do I need home insurance?
Consider taking out home insurance to protect your belongings from damage or theft. Your landlord is likely to have their own insurance, however, this will only cover the building and any contents that belong to them – such as any furniture or fittings that they have provided.
Is Council Tax included?
Organise your council tax. This can cost anything between £80-£150 a month, depending on where you live and how much the property is worth. If you are living alone, it’s definitely worth contacting your council to apply for a single person discount, which could reduce your monthly bill by 25%.
Will I have internet set up when I arrive?
If you need internet for work purposes, then you do need to think ahead and arrange it as soon as possible, as it could take a little time to be set up. Getting a dongle could be a good short term solution for any time when you are without during the set-up stage