From what I've read on here so far...

omglizzy · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Melbourne, Australia

it is rare for people to let you move in with them unless they've met you/you've had a face-to-face interview with them, etc etc.

But this frustrates me massively, because I'm moving to London on 27th November and want to move into a good sharehouse immediately, as I'm meant to start a job a couple of weeks after I arrive. I know spending the first couple of weeks in a hostel is meant to be good for socialising/finding your London feet, but I want to get settled immediately!

I've posted an ad, but November is a bit too far off yet to expect serious replies.

I'd love to live in an Aussie sharehouse? I'm 18, taking a gap year, would love some advice/reassurance?

Sorry if this sounds silly, it's just so annoying when you want to get things organised and obstacles keep rearing their ugly heads.

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 7556

YES BUT LOOK AT IT FROm THE OTHER SIDE

would you be happy letting someone stay with you you had never met

you might smell be a psycho etc etc

omglizzy · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Melbourne, Australia

HAHA!! Yeah, that's very true.
For the record - I am very normal, and wouldn't become one of those stories in that crazy housemates thread.

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 7556

THATS what they all say
i can see the hatchet behind your back

i have some experience of room rental
and you get some crackers

omglizzy · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Melbourne, Australia

I can only imagine!! Oh I swear I'm not! God knows I've dealt with some terrible lodgers over time as well. Spike from Notting Hill is nothing.

omglizzy · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Melbourne, Australia

But seriously, if anyone is interested, please let me know? I can't exactly fly over to meet you in person but email me/add me on facebook/ask me ridiculous questions so I can prove to you that I won't wreck your house and will contribute nicely to any household Smile

with my Aussie charm and DJ equipment, haha.

Thanks Smile

Lizzy

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 5644

Anyone prepared to offer accommodation to someone they've never met is either an idiot or a scammer. It is simply too risky, and even when genuine, is likely to be doomed.

See the Gumtree stay safe tips which strongly recommends that landlords and tenants never entertain the prospect of offering a tenancy to a stranger they've never met.

Book some temporary accommodation in an established youth hostel for a week in advance of your arrival. Set up viewings for more permanent accommodation when you arrive.