Finding a new flat can be stressful and time-consuming, and one ill-advised heat-of-the-moment decision can have disastrous consequences. Sophy Silver, spokesperson for Gumtree.com, shares her top tips to make sure you avoid the house of horrors and find your home sweet home

1. Do your homework
Over a few drinks with good friends you might decide living together is a great idea, but if it all goes wrong, it could be the end of a beautiful friendship. Start by agreeing who you want to live with, what your budget is, and what area you're looking in. When deciding your budget, it's important to remember the hidden costs of renting such as council tax, bills and commuting expenses.

2. Seeing is believing
View properties in person. You wouldn't choose a car without seeing it first, and your new living arrangements need to run smoothly too. Stay safe and always take a friend with you when viewing a flat, or let someone know where you'll be and when. If you're planning to share with friends it's tempting to trust their judgment, but the only true way of knowing what you're signing up to is to see it first hand.

3. Hidden potential
Don't take a flat at face value. Even bright orange walls are fixable with a coat of paint. Try to imagine the space without someone else's clutter and with your personal touch and it might have great potential.

4. Honesty is the best policy
If you're moving into a flat share, the existing flat mates are part of the fixtures and fittings. If you find someone's habits annoying during a half-hour chat, it's unlikely you'll survive a year of living with them. Similarly, be honest with people interviewing you. If you're not going to get along, it's better to find out before you move in.

5. Up close and personal
Never provide your personal or banking information (e.g. credit card number) to a flat mate or landlord over the internet. Once contracts are signed, exchange these details in person and insist on receipts for any money you hand over, especially your deposit.

6. Devil in the detail
Read the small print. Don't be rushed into signing an agreement, and ignore the assurances of landlords who say it's 'just a formality'. One of the most common reasons for tenants losing deposits is overlooking clauses on cleaning and maintenance. You should also insist on completing an inventory signed by all parties as soon as you move in, and use a digital camera to take photos of any imperfections.

7. Everything but the kitchen sink
If the flat is furnished, check what will be staying when you move in. If you arrive to your new flat after work and discover the curtains weren't part of the deal you could spend your first night in your new flat kept awake by street lights.

8. A problem shared
New scams targeting unsuspecting renters are appearing all the time. A current favourite is for agencies to advertise amazing flats, then demand a fee to show them to you. This is absolutely illegal, and invariably, the flat is suddenly taken as soon as you've paid your fee. Use the Gumtree Stay Safe pages to check for up-to-date information on the latest scams and ask for advice from people in similar situations if the listing sounds suspicious.

9. Reality check
Finally, use your common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.