Finding a short term let

[AndAllOurYesterdays]

We need to rent somewhere for about 6m while some work is done on our new house. The problem is that all rentals now seem to have minimum rental periods of 12m with no flexibility. I understand landlords need certainty but we don't need somewhere for that long. I've looked at short term options like Airbnb but there is nothing local. Any ideas? Has anyone successfully negotiated a 6m contract? Thanks

Ugh, it's horrible. I was in this position a couple of times and can only say that money talks. You might have to offer 6 months' rent in advance on the understanding that you lose it if you move sooner. Maybe things have changed, I don't know.

We had this issue. We were in west London and found a beautiful short term rental. Only catch … it was marlow. We enjoyed the time in marlow and the lack of hassle. It was pet friendly and immaculate. This was through savills but I think other agents have short term rentals too (Chestertons for example.) try googling short term rentals really try. It’s not easy,but we were looking for pet friendly with parking and we still found lovely places.

We got a 6;month rental by offering £150 per month more.

The renters' rights bill will become law by the end of the year or early Jan, it will effectively dissolve all fixed term tenancies and all tenants, irrespective of what they signed up for, any tenant will be able to give two month's notice.

So: you move in September, it becomes law in Dec, you give notice in Dec, you can leave by Feb.

Theoretically: you move in Jan, you give notice IMMEDIATELY, you leave in March.

It's 99% going to happen. Look at the Independent Landlord blog/videos for full details.