Renting when purchase falls through

[PastaBeeandCheese]

Sooo..... Vendors have decided a week before exchange and when we've spent £1k on survey and solicitor fees that they no longer wish to sell.

We still want to continue with our purchase and are therefore thinking we should move into rented whilst we find a new property.

I haven't rented a property since I was a student over 15 years ago. Is there anything I need to know / look out for? Viewing on Saturday.

I know I need to ask if it's ok to have my cat at the property and I'm going to ask for 6 months initially followed by month by month.

Is it generally the done thing to negotiate rent a bit?

Help...... Please!

[CarlaBrooni]

I think that once an initial six month lease is over then it automatically rolls over to a month by month lease and there's no need to sign anything else. This is for England. Which country are you in?

[PastaBeeandCheese]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, it is England. I was just concerned that I could sign for 6 months and then be kicked out if I wanted an extra 2 months because a house purchase was ongoing. Sounds like that's unlikely as month by month is standard anyway.

fuckwittery it is a bigger property at what appears to be the higher end of the market. It's a 5 bed / 3 bath place that's been on the market since end August when the family moved abroad for work according to the agent.

I have already mentioned the cat on the phone so hopefully that is going to be ok. It's unfurnished anyway so there is a limit to the damage a cat could cause and she's never scratched or wee'd in my house.

I was thinking of offering 6 months rent up front if they'd reduce it a bit? I'm guessing they would like that if they have an offset mortgage?

Anyway, it's really helpful to know rent isn't generally negotiable in the way house prices are but I guess it can't help to ask.

[DontCallMeDaughter]

If the house has been on the market since Aug then the rent could be negotiable... Speak to the Estate Agent after you've done the viewing, they'll be keen to get someone in.

[specialsubject]

actually a cat can cause quite a lot of damage (been there) but that can be dealt with by clauses in the tenancy agreement.

doesn't hurt to ask about rent reduction. Remember to check for a gas safety certificate (renewed annually) and find out which protection scheme will be holding your deposit. Both legal requirements.

winter is coming on. If you rent a property which is uninsulated and single-glazed you can't then expect the landlord to do anything about that. Maintenance won't be down to you but if the property is tatty, also don't expect much to get fixed.

[scurryfunge]

We are in the same position and are now renting. The real difficulty was finding a property which would allow a dog and a cat. I remember there was a lot if faff around getting references done quickly but it all worked out in the end. I couldn't find any 6 months contract and have had to commit to 12 months.

[PastaBeeandCheese]

scurry it's miserable isn't it? Sounds like we are lucky though as they called back today and said a cat is fine. I expected them to ask for a higher deposit but they haven't.

That's a good point special. It'll be weird not maintaining and decorating or whatever for a while. It's only 5 years old so hopefully should be in good state. It looks like it is from outside and pictures.

Fingers crossed!

[specialsubject]

I found that I spent a lot more time doing 'fun stuff' while in a rental, especially as it was a small flat with no garden. Creates quite a lot of free time!

you should be fine in a place that new. Just make sure the legalities are followed.

[scurryfunge]

We got lucky in the end. Have rented a farmhouse. The farmer is pretty cool about animals and seems very relaxed. I feel quite fortunate. Hope it all works out for you Pasta.