Welcome back to What I Rent – Metro’s tenant diary series exploring what renting is like in the UK and further afield. Last week, we visited Maisy Dewey and Harrison Kent , who moved to London from Philadelphia last year. As they struggled to find a pet-friendly property that would accommodate their dog, Kipper Von Spot, they took the plunge and rented a houseboat on the Thames.
This week, we’re back on dry land in West London having a nosy around 25-year-old Tia Costell’s two-bedroom flat in Acton, for which she pays £1,250 per month. Tia had been renting a smaller, more expensive place in Brentford and, feeling deflated at the thought of potentially never getting on the property ladder in London – that is, until she stumbled across a deal that would allow her to put away money to buy her flat after three years of renting. Here’s what Tia had to say about her renting journey.
.. Tell us about yourself! I’m a hair and makeup artist, and I’m driven by my passion for beauty and my faith in Jesus.
My work is about more than just appearance – it’s about bringing light and positivity to others. How much do you pay to live here? £1,250 per month in rent (or around £1,500 including bills). And what do you get for what you pay? A two-bedroom apartment at SO Flexi Acton measuring 700 square feet.
It’s a three-year contract and it’s under the London Living Rent scheme, funded by the Mayor, which means that I get a reduced rent price so I can put more money awa.