Renting query

jabe22

I've never been in rented accommodation so this is all new to me so could i just ask:

Can you rent on a month by month basis or do you have to take the 6 or 12 month tenancy lease?

dazed

jabe22 wrote:

I've never been in rented accommodation so this is all new to me so could i just ask:

Can you rent on a month by month basis or do you have to take the 6 or 12 month tenancy lease?

dependent on the landlord mate.

Norm is 6 or 12 month let.

jabe22

So say we take the 6 months tenancy and then we find a house we want to buy - if the buying process only takes say 12 weeks, will be still be liable to pay the other 3 months?

What do other people do in this kind of situation??

dazed

That is down to the landlord. You are probably best renting privately as there will all sort of terms and conditions if renting through an agency. If you are renting through an agency then best speak to them first before any search charges etc etc. You MAY get credit checked through them and they MAY charge a fee.

VickyA_2

We're on a 6 month tenancy agreement, but we can terminate this by giving the landlord 2 months written notice. Check the terms of the agreement.

chugalug

In theory, there's no reason why you can't rent a property on a month by month basis. In practice the shortest assured shorthold will be for 6 months. This is for your protection really as the landlord cannot evict within the first 6 months of any tenancy unless the tenant has broken any of the terms of the tenancy agreement. A landlord will usually serve a S21 notice within the 6 month period though as this then saves them waiting 2 months should they want the property back at the end of the tenancy period. They then just have to advise you in writing they want the property back, if not you carry on paying rent and the tenancy becomes periodic.

Usually there will be a clause in the tenancy agreement stating how much notice you have to give, in writing, should you wish to end the agreement. But, most landlords will want you to at least rent for the length of the original agreement. If you decide to leave earlier, you could find yourself liable to pay the rent for the full period.

There's lots of useful information on https://www.shelter.org.uk so take a look. HTH

jabe22

Just one more hurdle now to hopfully overcome.

We have 2 large breed dogs, do i keep quite about them??

Most people i have spoken to have said it very hard to find somewhere to rent that would allow dogs.

clutton_2

if you sign a 6 month agreement you are legally bound to pay for the whole period - as the landlord is legally bound to provide the house for you for 6 months. however, you may be able to negotiate - but dont bank on it. Re dogs - i have rented to tenants with dogs, but have asked for a larger deposit in case i need to replace carpets when they leave. you could offer this to a landlord as an inducement to offer you the tenancy - nothing focuses a landlord's mind more than a tenant arriving for the viewing with references, a building society cheque or cash, for the first months rent and the deposit and a winsome smile !!

Tassotti

Re Dogs.

Putting a restriction on pets in an AST is classed as an 'unfair term'.

However, dogs can/do cause damage, as opposed to a goldfish (although can be lethal if you upset them )

Also, if you are going to rent a flat which is leasehold, the LLs lease may also specify no pets, so could be a problem.

Be upfront and follow Clutton's advice