A flat is usually appropriate for particular lifestyles. Flat rental is generally suitable for single people, those with no children and particularly for students.

If you are a student, you may be able to find a suitable flat through your university or college accommodation office. For those prepared to share, there may be people looking for flat mates.

Any one else may find a flat to rent by going through the adverts in local papers. However, this can be a long process and the property may no longer be available by the time you get to it. A better option may be to get yourself on mailing lists, register for property alerts or to contact a letting agent who will find a flat that you can rent.

Before you start looking, decide what type of flat you want. If you're on your own, something small will do. If security is a worry, avoid a ground floor property. Check out the neighbourhood, transport services and decide if you need a parking space, washing facilities and whether the flat has to be furnished.

If you find something that seems to meet your needs, check it thoroughly before making a decision, otherwise, you might regret it later. Make sure the property looks well maintained, that it's big enough and that everything works; in particular, run taps and showers to check the water pressure. If it's important to you, find out if pets are allowed and if you can smoke in the flat.

Visit at different times to check out the area and talk to neighbours if you can. See if it all looks secure and find out about the common areas - who maintains them and how often. The landlord should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate for the property and provide operating instructions for all electrical items.

Lastly, check how must it costs and when it's available. Find out what the rental includes and the likely additional costs, such as council tax, gas, electricity and insurance. Make sure you can afford it all, with something to spare, before taking on the flat.

If you finally decide to rent a flat, you'll probably have to provide references, sign a tenancy agreement and pay a month's rent in advance. You may also have to pay a deposit and sign an inventory that lists the contents and sets out the flat's condition. Check this thoroughly before you sign because you'll only get your full deposit back if everything's the same when you leave the flat.