moving from own house to rented - when to start looking for rental properties?

[maxmissie]

We've currently selling our house and are trying to work out when we can sort out a rental property! Obviously not until we've exchanged but am still nervous of committing to a rental before completion because although it's unlikely to all go wrong, there is an outside chance we might not complete. And then we'd end up still with our house and a six month contract on a rented house. But on the other hand when else can we do it?

We could move into DH's parents for a few weeks until we find somewhere but that would entail the cost of moving our stuff into storage and then out again.

Am probably being very stupid about this but could do with some advice from others who have done the same. Thanks.

you look now and you assume that you can take it on exchange, so commit then. If completion fails the other party is liable for all your costs.

be an informed tenant: gas safe, deposit protection, decent maintenance, etc etc etc.

You should start looking now, to get an idea of what is out there and whether potentially there are any problems (you have pets, dont earn enough, need a guarantor etc). Get all your paperwork together so you look professional and reliable.

Most lls would accept your application on say 1 June, when you could move in say 1 July. You can put in an application as soon as you have exchanged without any risk, as in theory at this stage you would have a 10% deposit from your buyer and if they pull out you keep this.