Need a rental for 9 months - what to do?

[Pinkrose13]

We have to relocate next June. We put our house on the market last year. Sadly we only managed to sell it now. Properties in the rental markets are either 1yr ASTs or short term lets for 3-4 months. If we sign up for a 1 year AST and offer to pay landlord costs would landlords release us from the contract? Please can anyone advise?

Could you ask for a one year contract with a six month break clause included? You can then give notice after 8 months.

Break clauses like that usually mean you have to leave once six months are up though - they have to be very carefully worded.

Unless you can get someone to let to you for 9 months then rent for 12 and factor in the additional costs. Sounds to me as though it's the agents driving the letting terms. You can try offering as you have suggested, but there's no guarantee you'll get that.

I would ring round the local lettings agents explaining your circumstances and see if they have any landlords willing to rent for 9 months. Someone with a student let that they haven't filled for the forthcoming academic year might be willing to rent you out a house until next summer, for instance.

Can you offer a few months upfront? That might encourage a landlord to choose you over a longer-term tenant.

Can you offer a few months upfront? That might encourage a landlord to choose you over a longer-term tenant.

No longer is this seen as a good thing. Sure fire sign you're going to be dodgy as fuck and grow a cannabis farm in the house.

We have generally found for the full term of the contract up front landlords can be rather more flexible.

Tbh though unless renting in an area with over supply you will probably end up taking a contract for 12 months and paying up to 12 months, less if they find another tenant sooner and get them moved in within the time.

OP where are you looking ? In London we've seen break clauses at month 6 onwards as something that some landlords do accept. PM me if you want more info.

Break clauses like that usually mean you have to leave once six months are up though - they have to be very carefully worded.

No they don't! Otherwise they wouldn't be a break clause, they would be a 6 month tenancy.

OP you should be able to request a 6 months AST tenancy or a break clause. Once the 6 months is up you can give one month notice to leave.

We're currently on an 8 month contract. We wanted 6 and rolling but would have ended at Christmas, but the landlord didn't want that so came back with 9, and we negotiated down to 8. All are happy

Try sabbaticalhomes.com