To think that £425 is alot of rent for very small studio

[Lucky6266]

Complete with rat problem lol

Per week yes, though London dependent, per month no.

West Midlands per month

Where? That makes all the difference.

Crosspost. I think that sounds pretty affordable.

Well I think any amount is probably too much for a rat infested property!
Studios rent for about £600/month here in SE london/Kent

Just asking because I have seen studios for less with some bills included.

Has for the rats we where first ones in the block and we could hear them in the rafters and walls from the start

In which case why are you considering a rat infested one?
😳

One has been in my bathroom everynight

Didn't know there was rats until moved in

I lived in a rat infested studio in my early twenties and paid £950 for the privilege.

Do you live in an area of the West Midlands with any high density 2up2down type terraces? In my part of the WM they're often cheaper than smaller newer properties, so you might be able to get more for a broadly similar price.

Yes I think it is high density

My definition of cheap is skewed though, I lived in London a few years back and DP and I paid around £950 a month for the privilege of lodging in a flea infested room.

That sounds pretty cheap to me!

In cities like Birmingham (and Leeds/Manchester etc) you should be able to rent a 1/2 bedroom house in a reasonable area for around £500 pm so £425 for a studio does sound like a lot.

Why did you choose the studio and what else is available? Can you afford a bit extra for a better house or flat?

@masktaster is totally right - London definitely does that to you! I was paying £450 for a room in a rather mouldy flat when I first moved there. Then when I moved in with DH we had to pay £1100 between the two of us to get anything nice which wasn't too far out for work.

We promptly ran away from London a couple of years later...

Have you complained to your landlord and asked for the problem to be sorted?

If you have, and nothing has happened, you should consider joining Acorn. There's a Birmingham branch. They are a renters' union who are doing some amazing work to raise living standards for tenants.

Sounds reasonably dear to me, as we pay £500 pcm including water for a two (big!) bedroom cottage with a garden and a huge parking area in the countryside by the sea. Devon, for reference. I was under the impression that your area wasn't overly dear, so £425 for a (rat infested!!) studio seems expensive.

It's pointless comparing prices in different areas.

The rats need to be dealt with though

If it's rats, call the council. They will sort it for free: it's a matter of public health.

2 issues here.
Here in London commuter area, a run down studio in a grotty area is about £375, the nicer, newer ones are £500 plus but some include the water bills.
As far as the rats- get the managing agent ( not your letting agent) to investigate and organise getting them dealt with. That is what your LL pays services charges for. The MA details should be on display in the communal areas ( entrance lobby etc) as they are responsible for lighting, cleaning fire precautions etc

Private renting is extautionate.
But I had a 3 bedroom house with front and back garden, garage etc in the West Midlands for £550 a month.
It had a bit of damp and the front porch leaked when it rained, but still rather pay £550 a month for the above than £425 for rat infested studio.

YANBU. What will you do about it?