Welcome back to

What I Rent

– LFHCK.ID’s
tenant diary
series exploring what

renting

is similar to that in the UK.

When 28-year-old Lillianne Margaret relocated to
London
In 2019, she experienced for the first time living far from her home state of New Jersey, United States.

Following three years of moving from apartment to apartment, she eventually discovered the perfect one in 2022.

Hurriedly submitting a bid for a room in an Archway four-bedroom apartment, she found herself outdone by someone else.
tenant
However, either chance or destiny stepped in, and Lillianne still moved in eventually.

This is what she shared regarding her experience with renting…

Tell us about yourself!

I moved to
London
six and a half years ago from the USA. This was my first experience leaving home. I participate in softball, sing, read, dance, hike, appreciate live music, and attend rave events.

Are you prepared to begin your process of purchasing a home?

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Discover the amount you might be eligible to loan through the internet

The mortgage services are offered by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), an entity authorized and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration ID: 143002). The FCA typically doesn’t oversee most Buy to Let loans. If you fail to make payments on your mortgage, your house or property could be taken back.

I am employed at a behavioral neuroscience laboratory as the supervisor for research assistants. I have an excellent circle of friends in London, and we enjoy weekend getaways whenever possible.

What type of accommodation do you occupy, and for how long have you lived here?

I have been residing in a four-room semi-detached home for the last three years.

What is the cost of living here?

£790 per month without utilities, which amount to roughly £125.

What do you receive in return for your payment?

The home offers plenty of space. I possess a double bedroom, a lounge area, a yard, and a large kitchen.

That’s a good offer, but I’m constantly worried the landlord might increase the rent.

What aspect of your home life do you value the most?

I enjoy spending time with my roommates, engaging in board game sessions, relaxing and reading outdoors, or simply lounging in front of the television. We also like preparing meals together, and I truly value their culinary skills.

I
want
To return home after work each day. I experience a sense of safety, ease, and belonging. I was raised in a challenging environment, and I believe this house is helping to mend parts of me.

Where is your headquarters located? What are your thoughts on the surrounding region?

I reside in Archway, and I really enjoy this neighborhood. There’s Waterlow Park close by, and every Saturday there’s a market held in the square.

We have plenty of excellent pubs to choose from. My favorites include a cozy, small pub named The Charlotte Despard, and an outstanding pub quiz held at the Oak and Pastor.

I really like having an Aldi nearby, as well as an organic store and a coffee stand close to the train station. The neighborhood is also conveniently linked for commuting to central London.

The one thing I dislike the most might be the hills — they offer great physical activity when needed, but when I’m exhausted or carrying luggage, I’d prefer not to have them.

Where did you discover this house?

Via a SpareRoom listing. I initially saw this house and felt it suited well, so I was disappointed when the current occupants selected another person instead.

However, a month later, the individual they had selected chose to leave. The roommates recalled my presence and reached out to inquire if I was still open to joining them. Naturally, I responded with an immediate “yes.”

What steps have you taken to make this location feel like a home?

Either we purchase furnishings or take advantage of Freecycle — we have also gathered numerous items for free from the roadside.

Being highly emotional, my bedroom is filled with photographs and items gathered over the years of my life.

My space is varied and vibrant, just like the entire home. When I initially questioned my roommates about their bedroom styles, they described theirs as “an unsorted back room of a thrift store,” “a bedroom reminiscent of a 1950s homosexual teen,” and “a preserved image of a 1930s drunk antique collector.”

Is it challenging for you to decorate your space when you’re leasing it?

Our landlord is quite laid-back. We attempt to utilize removable solutions such as Command Strips or Blu Tack, yet we enjoy some flexibility in making our space our own.

Are you satisfied with the available space?

Certainly. I could even exercise inside my room. The house is spacious enough for sharing with others, and sounds don’t carry very far.

What would you prefer to have, yet lack in this house?

I really want a tumble dryer since there are several people living here and limited space for drying clothes. Plus, I adore soft, warm towels!

Do you face any issues with your current residence?

Last winter, we dealt with a rodent issue, and during the summer, we faced ant infestations. Additionally, the bathroom lacked an exhaust fan for some time, leading to mold growth.

At this moment, there is a water leakage coming from the bathroom into the kitchen, which means we need to pay attention while taking showers.

What are your top property deal-breakers during the search?

Well-located for transportation and certain kinds of communal living areas. I spend much of my time in my room, yet I desire to emerge from my shelter and socialize with others whenever possible.

Are you planning to relocate sometime soon? How about purchasing a property?

I don’t intend to leave home anytime soon. As the youngest among six siblings, living with others has always felt reassuring to me.

At some stage, I’d like to live independently, but currently, I can’t handle anything beyond what I’m already managing. Regarding purchasing property, it’s something that feels very distant right now, so I don’t often consider it. Additionally, since I’m from the United States, there’s an ongoing uncertainty about whether I might return there someday, though we’ll have to wait and see.