Compact is an understatement for this studio flat — it’s more like a game of Tetris gone wrong. But, if you’re not fussy about sharing, this Brighton property might be for you.
The seafront pad is up for rent at £1,295 per calendar month on OpenRent, which might sound like a bargain for a property by the beach.
However, the listing raises serious questions about the definition of a ‘studio’, as it’s advertised for 10 people.
Decorated with garish pink rose wallpaper, rainbows, pink princess bed canopies and fake ivy, the home is described as ‘perfect’ for builders or students as it has a minimum stay of just a month.
Potential tenants are also able to move into the property, equipped bizarrely with artificial grass flooring, on the day of the viewing — but they’ll have to pay an extra £35 for the pleasure — and the private landlord offers guaranteed acceptance to desperate house hunters with no credit check and a low deposit of £250.
The property boasts four bunk beds, a single bed and a sofa, which renters presumably have to share with others, along with a single bathroom and a miniature kitchenette between up to 10.
The cramped space leaves little room for manoeuvering, with the bunk beds, sofa and TV taking up any excess space.
There’s also a small wooden table, with space for eight people (so hopefully two tenants are out if you all decide to have dinner at the same time.’
The listing on OpenRent reads: ‘Themed extra large studio with kitchenette, private bathroom, microwave, hob, 10 separate beds. Maximum tenants 10.
‘Perfect for builders, contractors, students, large groups and big families relocating.’
The small studio was posted on Reddit’s Spotted on Rightmove thread, leaving potential renters baffled and asking: ‘Is this legal? Genuinely.’
User PSCGY wrote: ‘Is the maximum number of tenants eight or 10? Either way, it’s beyond grim. It’s like living in an off-brand Polly Pocket compact.’
Another, Bearonsie, added: ‘I don’t know where to start. Why is there fake grass everywhere? This is the worst thing I’ve seen in this sub,’ while a third commenter wrote: ‘All these builders love pink beds and rainbows.’
Others compared the room to the Big Brother House and pointed out the fact there’s only one bathroom to share between 10 people.
‘It’s not a studio flat, it’s a dormitory with one bathroom and a small kitchenette,’ said Patient_Debate3524.
As the listing doesn’t come with a floor plan, it’s unclear what the actual size and layout of the property is.
But the compact flat raises concerns about compliance with housing regulations and overcrowding, as the Nationally Described Space Standard requires that a one-bedroom unit be at least 37 square metres.
Properties classified as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must also adhere to strict regulations and could require a license from the council, which ensures that landlords meet safety, health and maintenance standards, such as overcrowding.
Brighton and Hove City Council have been contacted for comment.
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