Frequently asked questions about short term apartment rentals
Renting an apartment short term for your stay in central London is a sensible option. If you are seeking London accommodation, here we answer many of the queries you will have. Short term apartment rentals made easy …
What type of homes do you offer?
A character private residence or a sleek serviced apartment – which is yours? At The London Agent you can choose because we offer the full range from quirky, boho and bijoux, to cool, calm and contemporary. All short stay homes are well furnished and fully equipped including wifi. Style and standard may vary but you are assured that all London accommodation will have the essentials for modern life, i.e. a stove, fridge/freezer, iron and of course, wifi. Our clients are as diverse as London and we reflect that in our short term rentals.
What is self-catering accommodation?
A self catering home is usually a private residence. The owners may use the home occasionally and offer it for short term lets when they are way. It will be fully equipped and is ideal for the independent and self-sufficient traveller. Interim cleaning may be booked if required. An ever popular choice for the family holiday, short term rentals are increasingly popular with business travellers looking for unique or homely decor.
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is a flat or house you are able to rent nightly for a short stay or an extended stay of several months. It will be fully furnished and equipped, have a kitchen and offer weekly maid service. All bills and utilities are included in the rate which usually reduces the longer the stay. This popular and welcoming type of short term apartment rentals offers care, comfort and convenience in a safe environment. It is ideal as corporate housing and is growing in popularity amongst leisure travellers too.
What is an apartment hotel / aparthotel?
This type of London accommodation provides a residence with many facilities on offer which are usually associated with hotels. As well as a reception and manager on site, you would possibly find a concierge, a gym and dry cleaning facilities. Maid service may be frequent – even daily. This would be a convenient and useful option for business travellers and those looking for additional services whilst still wanting to retain the privacy of a serviced apartment.
Where are the homes?
Central London. The majority of our clients who need a short term rental want to be within travel zone 1 and the nearer reaches of zone 2. All of the homes that we offer are in popular central London locations – the areas most frequently requested. If you are here for a short stay you don’t want to waste time travelling great distances for a bottle of milk or to hop on a tube. That is why we insist that all of the homes we offer are a quick walk to essential facilities – shops, train station or bus stops.
How long can I rent for?
Stay for as long as you like! If you need to be here for three days or three months we can offer you comfortable short term accommodation. There is no maximum term and many of the properties are available for periods in excess of six months.
How much does it cost?
Our short term apartment rentals are offered at attractive rates, competitively priced for the market. Rental rates change depending on the time of year, the number of people staying at the flat and the length of stay. The rate for your stay can easily be calculated on any of the short let apartments on our website.
How many people can stay?
The number of people permitted to stay in a short term apartment rentals will vary – please check the property description for exact details. After you make your booking, only the people listed on the booking agreement are entitled to stay at the property. Many of our clients offer several flats in one building so if you are a large group you may find it convenient to reserve the entire building.
Do I pay a damage deposit?
Yes, either as a set amount or pre-authorised against your credit card. The funds may be used to replace damaged items, or for remedial cleaning, if required.
What is included in the rate?
Utilities and property expenses such us gas, electricity, water, wifi, TV licence and council tax are all included.
Self-catering accommodation will be professionally cleaned before you arrive and exit-cleaning is included. Linen, towels, starter toiletries and consumables such as soap, toilet paper and cleaning products are provided for your arrival but are not replenished.
Serviced apartment providers include a weekly clean and linen change for stays of 7 nights or more.
Telephone usage is charged separately as are any extras you may select, for example a hamper, extra cleaning, baby cot etc.
VAT is not included. Where VAT applies it is charged at 20% for the first 28 nights and 4% thereafter. Please read the Small Print on the property details to check if VAT applies to your home.
How large is my bed?
Single, twin or bunk bed: 90 cm x 190 cm (3′ 0″ x 6′ 3″)
Small-double: 120 cm x 190 cm (4′ 0″ x 6′ 3″)
Double bed: 135 cm x 190 cm (4′ 6″ x 6′ 3″)
Kingsize bed: 150 cm x 200 cm (5′ 0″ x 6′ 6″)
Super kingsize bed: 180 cm x 200 cm (6′ 0″ x 6′ 6″)
May I view the flat?
Viewings can usually be arranged between short lets when the flat is being prepared. This avoids disturbing the current occupant. If you have requested a viewing please keep in mind that the property can not be held for you until you visit. Short let rentals are promoted worldwide, booked on-line and availability changes frequently. 99% of our clients book from abroad and do not view homes before they rent. We provide comprehensive information on the website so that “what you see is what you get”. This includes a thorough property description including locale, an accurate Google map, a complete portfolio of current photographs, plus the very important “Small Print” section. We want you to understand the nitty, gritty, practical side of renting an apartment so that you can feel confident to stay with us.
How do I book?
Simple and straight forward. Calculate the total rate for your short stay and then follow the Book button. Complete the booking form and you will be directed to a secure payment gateway. We will email you your booking confirmation during our office hours: Monday – Friday 9.00 – 17.30.
Do you need proof of identity?
Yes, we do. UK immigration laws and fraud protection policies require that we know who you are. Your passport is usually the easiest way to confirm your identity but a drivers licence or id card may be accepted too.
May I cancel?
If you wish to cancel your reservation please e-mail us. Any monies due to you will be refunded less charges incurred processing your booking and refund. We urge you to obtain travel insurance which will protect you against your costs incurred.
What happens when I arrive?
We will arrange your arrival well before you get to London. Arrival times vary between 14.00-16.00 – please consult individual property details. For very late arrivals we often suggest a cab company for transfer and delivery of keys.
Ciao, adieu, auf wiedersehen, goodbye…
Many of our clients return to London regularly and it is our pleasure to welcome them back. Some will always stay at the same home, others move to different areas to explore new and exciting places. Either way, we really appreciate that they return to The London Agent on each visit and we would be delighted to welcome you too.
