Nearly new to renting

hjd

We have sold our house and should be exchanging this week with completion within the next month. No firm dates yet but hope to sort that out very shortly.

Our purchase is not going as smoothly; the vendor has not yet found anything to buy. We know we will have to move into rented; however, the last time I rented a house was when I was a student over 30 years ago. My husband has never rented.

From extensive reading of the forums, I understand that we shall have to go for a minimum 6 month rental unless we can find a private let. Have tried Gumtree but nothing on there; any other suggestions? Obviously we don't know how long we shall need to be in rented and will have to be very careful about giving notice on the right date to get out at 6 months. Are normal terms one year with a break at 6 months? That would mean you can't rent for any period between 6 months and one year, if I read it right.

We do not have the salary/ income to support the rental required but we do have cash in the bank to pay for 6 months (or more). Is that likely to cause problems with credit referencing?

Hope some of you knowledgeable people can help!

Longships

I don't know what area you live in but you might want to look at "holiday" lets which will go down in price once the schools go back next month. You then won't need to commit yourselves to any specific length of time or pass credit checks etc. If you go this route the property will be furnished so you will have to store your furniture.

Once you have completed on your current house you will be cash buyers in a great position to negotiate on a different house to buy if your current vendors are being difficult.

Better_Days

My understanding is that initial rental periods are usually for 6 months. After that you can sign up for another fixed period, or go onto a AST http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/138289.pdf where you have to give one months notice if you want to leave, and the landlord has to give you 2 months notice if s/he wants to regain possession of the property.

You do have to get your dates right and no doubt someone will be along who can explain it all in more detail. Good luck with your sale.

caringa

The norm is to take a 6 months agreement and then, if a new 6 months agreement isnt agreed then it proceeds on a monthly basis. A new six month agreement doesnt necessarily have to be issued.