is anyone renting out their house during the Olympics?

[countdowntoxmas]

Thinking of doing so but so many sites seem to be willing to take money for advertising with them. Which are the more reputable ones?

I was thinking of it but friend tells me the borough has outlawed short lets to prevent it

If you have a mortgage you will also need to get consent to let from them.

I can't believe how greedy opportunistic some people are being with this - I've seen run of the mill 3 bed Victorian places in SE15 being advertised for £2000 a week during Summer 2012...

Well, there is meant to be huge demand and places are going quickly. DH has told me the only way we can afford a holiday this year is if we rent out the house, so it has given me some incentive!

www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2011/10/31/councils-planning-problems-for-olympic-short-lets/ "if you are considering letting out your home over the Olympic games period, think again if you live in any of these areas:
?Camden
?Islington
?Kensington and Chelsea
?Southwark
?Tower Hamlets
?Westminster
"

DD is renting in London until September - she's working for LOCOG - and her landlord has said that he knows lots of landlords who are kicking people out before the games, making a killing and then re-letting them afterwards. Of course, the demand in London is so great, they can do this. He's promised he won't do this to DD - so fingers crossed!

How about if you live in the outer suburbs of West or North London. Would anybody want to let a house or flat so far away from the action?

My friend in Greenwich is planning to let hers.

What about renting rooms? I live in the suburbs with a railway station at the end of my road and 20 mins direct to London Bridge.

I suspect properties all over the south east would be in demand, my exh is considering letting out his two bed flat on the south east coast and has had interest.

bran
To my mind it doesn't make sense, as you're then left with the hassle of finding a new tenant. He assured me that it was well worth it financially. Just hoping DD doesn't end up on the streets during what is going to be her busiest period.

I know someone doing it through Foxtons. As far as I know, they haven't been asked for any money upfront and she has been offered a tasty sum by an organisation keen to use her house during the games. She is walking distance from the stadium though.

I am using this holiday rental site to rent my flat for for the Olympics www.rentalsforprofessionals.com

I am of a nervous disposition, so I even contacted my local council to ask permission to let my flat short term over the summer. It turns out all I need to do is fill out a sub-let form, inform the council of the name of the tenant and pay the council a fee (£130) for the privilege.. Well, the rent on the flat should more than make up for it - in fact, I intend to ask a deposit from those who rent it, so as to cover the council's fee for allowing me to do it legally... I guess what you can do will vary from one council to another. I am dealing with Camden.

Kookie, is yours a council flat?

I don't understand why you need the council's permission to let.

And if it is a council flat, aren't you supposed to be homeless in order to be able to live in one?

I would not do it through Foxtons, or any agency.

They (as do other estate agents I have spoken to) want 30% of the rent as commission, PLUS VAT (at 20%) on top. In addition as a landlord you need to pay for gas safety certificate, landlords insurance, and cleaning services between lets. With an estate agent, you also need to provide new luxury bed linen and fluffy 4* hotel towels. That is a lot of towels to provide per room for a 3 bed.... 2 towels of each size, hand towel, bath towel, PLUS change of towels if you have another short term tenant coming in after the first let. You are going to spend several hundred pounds on linen you dont need, up front!

If you let through Home away or owners direct, you can stipulate in your terms and conditions that you dont supply towels. (And only supply one or two).
In addition, you dont have to pay commission and vat on your rental income. Might have to declare it to the tax man though, but you would have to, if you were letting through an agency anyway.

Interesting. We wish to host but the companies in London only pay 115 Per week. Rooms in my area are being rented for 900 per month. Will contact you.