Short term renting

Adam · 19 Apr 2013 at 08:25

I'm looking at this option having accepted an offer on my house, I'm keen not to lose my buyer and understand the strong position it will put me in being a cash buyer. We have a 7 month old baby so this is far from ideal but long term it may be worthwhile.

I'd want to do this on a short term basis, 6 months will probably be too long so looking at 3 months and then perhaps a rolling 1 month contract. Having never rented before, I'm not sure if this is possible.

In addition, I understand I'll need to pay fees for various checks by the letting agent, would this be per person or for the property itself? How much is it likely to be?

I have been looking on rightmove and it seems that in my area an agreement is reached very quickly so they don't have around for long. Is rightmove the best website for renting? Are there any websites for private landlords so we can avoid having to go through the letting agent?

Mr Jones · 19 Apr 2013 at 08:44

Rightmove and local letting agency is the best route.

First question is where abouts in the country do you live? Down south, you get crazy 'admin' prices like inventory, agency fees and all. Up north, I spent less than £125 all in for admin, checks, inventory listing, contract signing whatever terms agency throws at you. My friends down south were hovering around £250 to £400! :eek:

If you're in Scotland, it's even better - No stupid things such as inventory listings fee.

Most agency minimum let is 6 months unless they are empty houses looking for sale and then you'll find 3 months + rolling. This is where local agency that does sale / let comes in handy as they tend rather have someone in the house whilst they look for buyers than empty. Other alternative is Gumtree for private listings, and local newspapers but like everything on there, if it's dodgey area, with a gut feeling of dodgey landlord, avoid. Make sure your deposit is secured too.

Good luck!

ci_newman · 19 Apr 2013 at 14:33

With a 7-month old baby, I would definately not want to move twice within a very short time frame

What is wrong with finding a house you like now?

Adam · 19 Apr 2013 at 15:31

Thanks for the comments, Mr Jones, I called one of the letting agents in my area who quoted £240 in fees for us both so that's not as bad as feared. I am indeed in the South

ci_newman said:
With a 7-month old baby, I would definately not want to move twice within a very short time frame What is wrong with finding a house you like now?

I absolutely agree with you, it's not ideal but my thinking is that it may pay off in 6-12 months when we find the house we want. Right now I have made offers on 2 properties in the same road, but both offers have been rejected. There aren't many houses around so we don't want to make a decision to move for the sake of it, just because there wasn't much around. Also if I can save another £5-10k in the next few months it will put me in a much better position as things would be a bit tight right now.

I am hoping it won't come to renting, one house I know is desperate to move but my offer was low, I wouldn't be surprised if I hear from him in the next week or so.