Renting between selling and buying

[surreygirl1987]

It looks like we will very likely need to rent a property between selling our house and buying another. We are relocating. We are fine with this in principle, and this has been the plan all along, but I have a few questions about how to find a suitable rental property.

We will likely only need it for 6 months but everything is advertised as long term. I can't imagine any landlord would want to rent their property out for just 6 months. So do I say anything, or just ensure there is a break clause built in??

I read on another thread that rental places are often not making it yo Rightmove, as EAs call around and they get snapped up. When enquiring with EAs, should I explain our situation (short term between selling and buying) or would that only mean we would not be considered for any of the properties (unless there is one miraculously that needs a short term tenant!)

I also read on another thread that if we pay 6 months rent in advance, a 6 month break clause is automatically given. Is this correct? Is this worth doing?

Many thanks. I feel like we know our way around buying and selling, but renting is a puzzle to us, especially short term. We have looked at Airbnb but we are a family of 4 (2 little kids) and the only ones big enough in the area we are moving to are about 3x the average monthly rent cost in that area! Holiday homes and caravans are mega expensive too. I just can't think of anything else...!

Would be so grateful if anyone can give any advice!

Six months is long term (as opposed to short term like holiday lets). But I think you are right, many landlords want a longer term tenant and may specify minimum 12 months.
I haven't heard about the 'pay six months and get a break clause', I think the standard is you sign for six months and if it's longer, there's a break clause after the initial six months anyway.
I would just call round and ask what the minimum lease length is on whatever property you are interested in, and I bet the majority will still say six months (partly because they get a renewal fee). If it's longer, ask if there is a break clause. Any tenant would ask these questions as the landlord can also exercise the break.

Sensible thing for landlords is always a year with a mutual break at six months. Yes, it does risk a tenant going early but it is better than being stuck with one you don't want ( even though it takes a very long time to deal with that). Costs more now all fees are on the landlord but still worth it.

As that's what you want as well, just ask.

I am LL. The only reason many LL.want to rent for 1 year as opposed to 6 months is that the advertisement fees work out expensive if divided over 6 months. Over a year they work.out far more reasonable. You could offer to pay half of the LL advertising fees as only want 6 months.

We did this as we relocated. We found a house with a 12 month contract, asked for a 6 and met in the middle at 8 months and then rolling after that. They also let us have a cat despite saying. I let's initially. We ended up being there for 11 months (pandemic delayed our move!) if you are otherwise good tenants, it might not be too much of an issue.