Never rent a shared flat without knowing your flat...

Never rent a shared flat without knowing your flatmates!!! I rented a 3bedroom flat (supposedly for 3 persons) and there ended up living 5 people and after following the situation for 2 months and announced it, no one cared about it. As long as they get the money, they won't do anything about it.
Also be aware that they want every penny from you! Never accept a fixed-term lease because they won't have any sympathy towards your housing situation if by the next month you are on the street.