Flat-Share.com - Frequently Asked Questions

What does flat-share.com do?

Flat-share.com supplies short term budget flat shares and long term budget flat shares in London. Our flat shares in London are perfect for travellers, students and holiday makers.

What type of payment is accepted for flatshare rent?

We accept Cash, Travellers cheques in Pounds, Bankers Draft, Money Order, VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, some debit cards like VISA DELTA, SWITCH, SOLO and JCB, to pay your flatshare rent.

Does one week of flatshare mean 7 nights or 5 nights like some hotels?

If you are booking the minimum stay of one week, the accommodation will be booked for 7 nights.

How do I book a flat share?

There are several ways to book a flat share in London: you can use the Secure server by clicking on "book" on this website, or by telephone at 0044 (0) 870 042 9290 with the London or Kent office. Our multilingual staff will be happy to help you! If you need some information, do not hesitate to use our Live On line support.

Is it possible to view the flatshare room before booking?

Yes, you can view the flatshare room before booking. Viewing can be arranged from Monday till Friday from 9 am to 6 pm on appointments only.

Do I need to pay money up front for the flat share?

A deposit will be asked for upon booking.
The deposit required is a minimum of 10%. In some cases the first 2 weeks rent must be paid up front.

What is the difference between short-term flat share and long term flat share?

You can find the difference in the duration of the stay. A short-term stay can be up to 6 weeks, a long-term flat share starts from 6 weeks on. Depending on the flatshare that you choose.

What is your cancellation policy for flat share?

Before arrival: Our cancellation policy requires a 28 days written notice before the arrival date (by e-mail only, including reservation number). Shortening the stay is also possible with a 28 days written notice. If failing to do so, a charge of up to 14 nights'flatshare rent may be enforced. Any deposit paid in advance will not be refunded regardless of notice.
When you are already here: the first flatshare rent is payed for 28 nights in advance. If shortening the stay, we need a 28 days prior written notice. The deposit will not be refunded. The changing of a booking, i.e. changing of arrival date, room type or number of persons results in a charge of 10 GBP per change of booking.

I am arriving in London very late about midnight or even later if the plane is late, but I do not want to book in a hostel...

We will be happy to book you in one of the hotels in London(via our sister websites) not far from our locations for the first night, and then come the next day at 11 am to our flatshare rooms.

How can I pay?

In all the cases you can pay your flatshare rent by cash. Some of partners do not accept credit cards, so you can contact us to have all the information before your arrival in London.

This is our first time in London and we would like a flat with one or two bedrooms and private bathroom and kitchen. Your rates seem very good... it sounds great.

Please be aware that a flatshare in London is expensive and the reason we are able to offer such good deals is that in most cases the bathroom and kitchen are shared. If you are looking for private facilities, this is possible but be prepared to pay more than the basic options listed. An apartment in London for a short term stay can be very expensive, so if this is what you are after then be ready for expense!

What is the check out time?

You have to be checked out time at 10:30 am.

What is the check in time?

Because the check out time is at 10:30 am in our flat share, the check in time is after 12:00 o'clock, which gives the cleaning staff the time to get the flatshare rooms ready.

I am arriving around 8am, can I have my flatshare room that early?

To access the flatshare room that early, you will need to book it from the day before, so it will be kept empty.

I am arriving at the airport at 8pm, and I can be at the station at 10pm, can I get picked up using your service?

This service is only available between 9am and 5pm usually. If you do have a late arrival, we may be able to work something out, otherwise we can book you into a hostel with 24 hour reception for the night, you can have breakfast and afterwards meet us to gain acces for your flat share.

I would like to come to London for the weekend with 12 of my friends, would you have a 12-beds-dorm?

We do not offer dorm rooms, but we can refer you to our partner website that does hostel bookings.

Do I have to pay a bond/deposit (Damage deposit) when I arrive to the flatshare?

When you arrive in London, we will take a print-out of your credit card details which will be destroyed after your check out as a deposit for damages and lost keys. If you have not got a credit card to pay your rent with, it is a good idea to apply for one. You can also make a booking with the card of a friend or relative, providing you supply their full name, address and phone number. Obviously permission is required and we reserve the right to contact the card holder for authorization.

How many blankets/sheets/towels are provided?

As many as you need. It is free of charge in our flat share!

What does service charge mean?

Service charge is what you pay when you are renting a flat for the maintenance and repair costs. It is usually around £65 per month. When staying in on of our flat shares, we will cover it for you.

How often are the rooms cleaned/sheets & blankets changed, and is there a separate charge for that?

Flatshare rooms are cleaned before you check in. The flatshare rooms are also checked by one of our managers, before you move in. You get the clean linen and then it is up to you to clean the linen during your weekly laundry. Cleaners clean the common areas, they do not have access to the private rooms. You are required to clean up after yourself every time you use the kitchen or the bathroom.

Are the ironing facilities communal? If so, what is the charge if any, to use the iron/ironing board?

Iron facilities in flat share are communal and it is part of the service that we offer you, so it is free of charge.

Are the showers or heating in the rooms coin operated?

We do not have any coin operated devices in our rooms to rent.

What type of heating is used in the rooms to rent of London ? e.g. oil, electric, gas?

Gas central heating, supplied by British Gas in most flatshares and houses. Some rooms to rent have electric heating.

Can the temperature of the heaters be controlled/adjusted?

Yes, you can control the temperature of the heaters in our flat share.

In which months can the heating be used?

When ever it is cold in the flat share, usually October to April.

Does the heating automatically turn on/off at the times given on the web site?

Yes, it does.

Do you supply washing and cleaning materials?

Yes, dish washing liquid and cleaning materials to clean the bath are provided in the flatshare.

What appliances are provided in the room to rent?

All of the rooms in our flat share have a fridge, Cable TV & telephone, wardrobe, bed, desk, chair...

Are there direct dial phones in the room to rent or coin operated public phones in the building?

There are phones in all of our flatshares and there are telephones in the private rooms aswell. In both cases you can dial out using phone cards supplied by us and it is much cheaper. We have very competitive rates for all calls worldwide. Ask us on arrival for further details.

Do you provide electric blankets in the flatshare?

No, electric blankets are considered as a fire hazard in the flat share.

Is there a supermarket in walking distance of the flatshare?

Yes there are shops and shopping centres within walking distance of our flat shares. You can also order home delivery or order your groceries by internet using a credit card.

If I make a booking for three weeks before the date of my arrival, will it be relatively easy to extend my stay in the flat share?

Yes, simply notify us when you arrive in London (or as soon as possible).

What appliances/facilities are provided in the kitchen of the flatshare?

All appliances and cutlery in the kitchen are supplied by us.

Is there a laundryroom with washing machine and/or clothes dryer in the flat share? If not, is there a Laundromat within walking distance?

All of our flat-share have a washing machine in the kitchen.

As I arrive in London on a Sunday afternoon, is it possible to arrange for someone to open my flat share room?

No problem! Just discuss it with us when you call or e-mail us.

Does the room to rent have any wardrobes/cupboards/storage facility?

Yes, all rooms to rent do.

Do you serve breakfast in the rooms?

We do not, but with our websites Studios92 you can find a room in a hotel or a Bed & Breakfast where breakfast is served.

Are there any time limets for making a reservation to rent a room?

You can book as early as you want or as late as you want, although generally it is best to book the flat share as soon as possible, as we cannot always guaranty the availabilities of the rooms.

When is the rent due for the flatshare?

If you are staying 4 weeks or less, the total amount is due on arrival. When your booking is longer then 4 weeks, you will have to pay the 28 first nights on arrival. Your deposit will be deducted on your last rental payment. If you shorten your stay in London, the deposit will not be refunded. On arrival, the check-in staff will take an imprint of your credit card (like a hotel) as a security deposit. On departure this can be returned or destroyed once the room is inspected. Without a credit card there may be a cash deposit required for your stay.

I have a credit card, if I call you and give you the details, can I pay cash when I get there or will I be charged on credit card?

You will be charged a minimum of 10% non-refundable booking deposit which will be used to secure the booking of your flatshare. You can pay the balance on arrival in cash if you want. Some of our partners do not accept credit cards.

Do you use gas or electricity for cooking?

Depending on which accommodation you settle on there will be electricity or gas for cooking. With London and the incredible number of restaurant you can also grab a take away.

I am travelling with my girl friend, can we share the room?

Yes, of course. A double room to rent ((one double bed) or twin room to rent (2 single beds) would be suitable for you.

Is smoking allowed in the rooms/flatshare?

For your own safety, it is absolutely forbidden to smoke in the flatshare! Smoking makes the rooms smell bad, plus it is a fire hazard. You can smoke outside the flat-share making sure you dispose of the cigarette on the allocated box to keep the area outside the flat clean and tidy.

How big are the rooms?

In our flat share, the minimum for a single room should be around 10 meters squared and a double room 12 meters squared.

What happens after I have filled in the information on the booking form?

Depending on the request, Flatshare London informs you if we can make a booking for a flatshare straight away or not. If not then we keep your details on the waiting list and if there is an opening as you requested we will contact you. If you are on the waiting list, it will be a good idea to inform us close to the date that you are still looking for a place.

Can I make a booking for next Christmas & New year?

In most cases yes, just use our secure server or give us a call.

If I arrive at 9:30 am, can I have my room straight away?

Check-out time for current residents is at 10:30am and check-in time for new residents is after 12am in our flat share (the time in between is used to clean the room). You may, however leave your luggage with us at the office and go on an exploring tour of the area or go into Central London (www.gift-tours.com).

Do you supply clean bed sheets, my friend told me, some landlords in London supply dirty bed sheets?

You will get clean bed sheets, duvet and duvet cover in our flat sharerooms.

Do rooms to rent have bunk beds?

No, they do not. Flatshare London does not offer bunk beds and dorms. We have mainly single, double and triple rooms. If you are after a bed in a hostel, you can go on hosteldirect.com (www.hosteldirect.com ).

You offer a free pick up service for cheap-studios.com customers, is this correct?

The Free pick up service applies to guests staying with us only. Just note that after 5pm you will be charged an amount of 10GBP per person for late pick up. After 8pm you will be charge amount of 20 GBP per person. You will not be able to check in after 9h30pm.

What is the best way to recommend you?

Tell your friends about cheap-studios.com or studios92.com.

If I buy a weekly travelcard, can I use it on buses or night buses?

You can use all travelcards (daily, weekly and monthly) on the night bus. You can also buy a BUS PASS, the PASS is not valid in the tube but it it very cheap and you get to see London as well.