London landlord rents out cupboard for $250 per week

The absurdity of room rental prices in London has been highlighted by a landlord letting out a cupboard under his stairs with a bed in it for nearly $250 per week.

Englishwoman Alex Lomax, 23, shared photos on Twitter of the "room" during her hunt for accommodation, making reference to Harry Potter who lived under his aunt's stairs.

"I have literally just been shown a bed under the stairs for £500 a month. F you London! #nothanks #privetdrive!?," she tweeted.

"ACTUAL bed under the stairs like Harry Potter – for £500 pm!?"

The advert for the cupboard in the Clapham area of London describes it as "1 single furnished room available", and lists it for £115 (A$248) per week, or around $1080 per month.

Bills are not included, and typically cost £60 (A$130) per month, according to the advert on www.london2let.com, which does not feature any photos.

"We are looking for a friendly, open-minded and outgoing person to join our houseshare in a great period house in Clapham," landlord Dan Smith writes in the ad.

"We're a good bunch and like to chill out a lot together – not really looking for somebody that just wants to stay in their room."

Photos taken by Ms Lomax show a thin mattress that barely fits inside the space, with coats hanging up and an opened box of laundry detergent.

Several UK newspapers have approached the landlord for comment.