How far in advance should we be seriously looking for rental property?

[sourrain]

Never actually rented before (asides from uni days) so I'm not too sure how it all works.

We need to move early September. It seems that lots of places advertised are available now or July. That seems too last minute to me. Is that normal? I like to plan ahead so it's causing quite a bit of nerves. I am also busy with work in my current location (we are moving areas) so cannot keep taking multiple trips down to look at properties.

Rental market has gone a bit nuts in England, everywhere except London. Measures to drive out private landlords are working so there's a shortage. This is great news for the dodgy landlords, so educate yourself - read the how to rent guide on gov.uk.

Landlords cant end tenancies and it is taking well over a year to go through the court process at the moment. So properties will only come available when a tenant gives their months notice.