44 Chambers

I enjoyed living in a flat with a nice sunny deck in the back and a lawn out front, plus locks on all the bedroom doors if you're the paranoid type. The landlord was laid back, reasonable, and generally a nice person. The best part was the cheap price for a good place, although the worst thing was that roommates could be noisy on some weekend nights.

The house has several issues, including a bathroom, kitchen, spouting, and driveway that all need replacing, along with dampness and mould in the kitchen and bathroom. The back doors leak during rain, and one doesn't lock, while a wall near the bathroom grows black mould from the end of March onward. Although the landlord responds to queries, she doesn't take action until a 14-day notice is served, and I never met her during my stay from February to May. The best part was having the only sunny room, but the kitchen, mould, and landlady were significant downsides.

The house, newly renovated in 2013, features a brand new bathroom and kitchen, is fully insulated and double glazed, and comes partially furnished. The landlord is quick to answer questions and address any issues, coming over almost weekly to mow the lawns and ensure everything is in order. The best part is the gas heating for instant hot water, but the downside is that there isn't a great deal of soundproofing.

The house is warm and tidy, with good shower pressure and two showers, although there's only one toilet for six people, which can be a bit challenging. The landlord is easy to deal with and generally quick to respond. The best features are the warm atmosphere, the deck, and the new condition of the place, but the sound in the bedrooms can be an issue.