What to check before short term renting?

nigem

I have found a flat to rent for a flexible term, under 6 months. The LL has developed it for sale, but has not found a buyer. I am prepared to move out with a couple of weeks notice on either side.
What checks can I do to ensure that the LL is legit, and how can I protect myself financially?

BitterAndTwisted

Have you read the LL/renting stickies?

silvercar

Well you want to check that the landlord owns the property, that he isn't going to take your initial deposit and disappear!

However you word the AST, you as tenant have some legal rights. You are entitled to a minimum of 6 months. Even if you agreed a shorter term, the landlord couldn't evict you in the first 6 months, unless you breached the tenancy agreement. Also you are entitled to 2 months notice after an initial fixed term.

Your landlord may want to make improvements to increase saleability and also arrange viewings for buyers. Reach an agreement on how intrusive these can be, before you move in.

However short the contract the landlord should still be protecting the deposit, arranging a gas certificate and being generally responsible for the building.

nigem

B&T I have looked through many pages of the stickies, and still dont know how to check that the LL owns the place. It is 1st rent in a new conversion.
I will be seeing it on my own and meeting the LL.
I am happy to let people view the flat when necessary, with some notice.
I know there will be a degree of flexibility on both sides about exact tenancy length and notice required.

G_M

You can check who the owner is with the land registry for £4.
Make sure you have a signed contract.
Get signed receipts for everything - deposit, rent etc
Ask which deposit scheme your deposit will be registered with.

the fact that it's a short rent makes no difference to how this works. It's just a rental.

Discuss what access for viewings you are willing to agree to - you don't (I assume!) want people turning up unannounced and wondering round while you are in the bath. Do you mind viewings while you're out? Do you want 24 hours notice? It's your choice.