The HIDDEN COSTS Every First-Time Renter Should Know About

So you've fallen head over heels for a gorgeous Westbourne property? Before you start mentally arranging your furniture and planning your first dinner party, let's talk about the sneaky expenses that have a habit of blindsiding first-time renters.

That monthly rent figure? It's just the beginning. Most Westbourne landlords will want a deposit (typically one to six weeks' rent), plus the first month's rent upfront. But here's where it gets interesting - many also request references, which can cost around £25-50 each if you're using a professional service. Then there's the tenancy agreement fee, which some letting agents still charge despite recent regulations, so always check what's included.

Major Westbourne letting agents like Brown & Kay (established in 2006 with a flagship Westbourne branch), Winkworth Westbourne, Saxe Coburg, Anglotown (ARLA accredited), and Slades Estate Agents all have dedicated lettings teams who can guide you through their specific fee structures. Then there's the tenancy agreement fee, which some letting agents still charge despite recent regulations, so always check what's included when dealing with Martin & Co Lovett or other independent estate agents covering Westbourne and surrounding areas.

Unless you're blessed with friends who own transit vans and owe you significant favours, you'll need professional movers. Local Bournemouth removal services like Westbourne Removals (serving Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Dorset, Hampshire and surrounding areas) typically charge £300-600 for a one-bedroom flat, depending on distance and stairs involved. Don't forget van hire, packing materials, and potentially storage fees if your moving dates don't align perfectly.

That cosy period property might have bags of character, but it could also have the heating efficiency of a chocolate teapot. Setting up electricity, gas, water, and council tax can involve deposits, especially if you have limited credit history. Budget around £100-200 for connection fees, and remember that period properties in Westbourne often come with higher heating bills than their modern counterparts.

Working from home or simply can't live without Netflix? Broadband installation isn't always straightforward in older Westbourne properties. Engineers might charge extra for complex installations, and you could be looking at £60-100 for setup fees, plus the monthly cost.

Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your beloved vintage record collection or that expensive laptop. Contents insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense when you're already stretched, but it's typically only £10-20 monthly and absolutely worth it.