Credit Check

What does this mean? I did not put so much attention on it until I was rejected when I wanted to get one year contract for mobile phone. Credit check applies for more things, including mortgage, overdraft, credit cards or phone offers.

What is Credit check then?
It is set of input information (for example address, account details, phone number) applicant has to provide in order to be assessed as eligible or not eligible for getting either mortgage or phone contract.
Before you apply for any kind of product where credit check applies, it is good to try credit check home on your own. If you are once rejected in a bank or a phone company, then there is a footprint about you.

See below  useful information:

Free credit check and report, get 30 days trial version:
http://www.experian.co.uk/

How to improve your credit score:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score

Your rights as a tenant

It is quite hard to find trustworthy agency in London and unfortunately quite common that agencies try to do things which are against tenants. It can be hard for those who are newly in London and are not so familiar with their rights.
Following article can help to understand better what your rights are:

• Your right to pay the same rent
• Your right to live in a safe house
• Your right not to be disturbed
• Your right to have your deposit protected
• Your right not to be harassed
• Your landlord's right to evict you

All explained in Your right as a tenant

Issues with deposit return

I read couple of times about agencies being reluctant to return deposit in a full amount or taking a long time to return it at all.

It's important to know that it is illegal for landlord to pocket your deposit. Once you pay your deposit, then it has to be put to "Tenancy deposit protection scheme".

Links below help to explain all possible issues with deposit:

http://www.thesite.org/housing/renting/deposits-for-renting-7963.html
https://www.gov.uk/deposit-protection-schemes-and-landlords/information-you-must-give-to-your-tenants

Landlord can also lie saying that your deposit is protected even if it is not! For this case there is online checker where you can check it yourself:

http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/get-started/check-your-deposit

There are couple of cases, when landlord is in advantage and does not have to protect your deposit, mostly depending on type of renting (e.g. long term holiday letting). In such a case the only think which can help is to pay attention before putting signature on contract.

Follow the quiz under the link below to check if your deposit has to be protected:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/downloads_and_tools/tenancy_deposit_rights_checker#


Symptoms of being potential victim

List od commonly known scams that tenants have fallen victim to refers to blog where you can read common practices being used. Hope none of them fits yo your case.

http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/rental-scams-tenants-should-be-aware-of/

Gherkin - What you can see from the top

Unfortunately The Gherkin is officially closed for public apart from occasional events such as Openhouselondon

Location:

30 St. Mary Axe

London

EC3A 8EP

How to get there:

The best is to take a tube to either Bank or Liverpool street.

Shard & Walkie-Talkie

St. Paul's Cathedral

Top of the Gherkin

Tower Bridge & City Hall

Shard

London - Healthcare and Medical Treatment

Important info for all expats working in London.

Search for doctors by nearest location, name or opening times:
www.nhs.uk/england/doctors

More information on:
http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-london-healthcare-medical

City Lit Part-time adult education in London

Located in Central London, nearby Covent Garden. City Lit provides evening classes, daytime classes or Weekend courses.

http://www.citylit.ac.uk/

Meetups in London

Looking for a new job or just want to get together with other people. It's good for both actually. Create an account, find a meetup suitable for you and then just enjoy.

http://www.meetup.com/cities/gb/17/london/

Notting Hill Carnival

This year under the rain...

Routemaster

Festival of Umbrellas

London Property Agencies

Short review of London letting agencies based on my personal experience.