Short Lets | Property Classifieds - Buy, Sell Or Rent For Free

Short term property lets are the new home-from-home for many business people today. Research suggests that people often feel more comfortable and happier in an apartment or house than they do in a hotel room. In response, companies are now renting properties on short term leases for their employees rather than using hotels when they need to travel.

What is a short term property let?
Whereas most property lets are for 6 or 12 month terms, a short term let can last a matter of days or weeks and never more than 3 months. This type of let is very popular with people who travel for their work and prefer to live as they would at home rather than in hotels which can be very impersonal. Not surprisingly this type of property let is also becoming popular with families and couples travelling for leisure purposes.

What kinds of properties are available?
As with long term lets, short term property lets encompass all kinds of properties from one bedroom flats in city centres to large houses in the suburbs. There are hundreds of letting agents available to help you find the perfect let, most of which focus on a single city or region.

The benefits of short term property lets
Many people may wonder why someone would want to rent an apartment or house when they could stay in a hotel room and have people cook for them and clean up after them! Research suggests that most people feel more relaxed and focused when they are in a familiar environment and when they feel they have the freedom and privacy to act as they would in their own home.

The properties that are let on short term leases are fully furnished and usually have all the necessary facilities such as a washing machine, fully equipped kitchen, broadband internet and even cable TV. Prices for smaller properties can compare favourably against hotel costs and all services are usually included in the the rent. Some letting agents also provide a cleaning service if required and are able, because of their familiarilty with the area, to advise on other local services that may be needed. Even the smallest properties can afford more space and comfort than a hotel room and companies are starting to realise that employees who are happy are more productive.

It isn't only business people who benefit from short term property lets. They are also suitable for couples and families who just want to get away for a few days. Renting a three or four bedroom house for a family weekend is often cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms, and can be less stressful especially if there are younger children. The family can live as they would at home with home cooking and a lounge to relax in during the evenings. Another advantage is that short term lets can usually be extended at very short notice making them a flexible option if you don't have a set itinerary.

What you will need for a short term property let
Renting a property on a short term lease is very similar to renting one on a long term lease and the same kind of paperwork will be needed. If you are renting through your company then they should have everything set up in advance and all you have to do is pick the keys up and actually find the property! If you are renting independently however then the letting agents will advise you on exactly what's needed. They will, in most cases, require references, a hefty security deposit which is returnable after you leave, and the rent well in advance of your stay.

Letting your property on a short term basis
Many people who own property in cities and other popular locations have started to discover that it can be financially viable to rent them out on a short term basis when they are elsewhere. This can very often contribute towards mortgage payments and running costs of the property. Before you can rent your property out however you need to check with your mortgage provider (if any) whether you can do this. Once you are certain that you can proceed you have to make sure it is fully furnished including items such as linen, kitchenware and crockery and, in fact, it must contain everything that a person would need to live there comfortably. In addition you would need to supply a Landlord's Certificate for both the gas supply and the electricity and you have to ensure that the soft furnishings in the property all comply with tcurrent fire and safety regulations. It is also advisable to take a full inventory of the property and make sure there is nothing left there that would cause distress should it disappear or get broken! You can then register your property with a letting agent and/or a property management company who will find you tenants for an agreed fee.

Conclusion
Short term property lets are a great way to have a weekend away, an extended holiday or just live in a comfortable environment while away from home on business. They can be especially useful if you're considering moving to an area and want to get a real "feel" for it while checking on local facilities, schools etc.They should contain everything you'll need to live day to day and because all bills are included in the rental price there should not be any surprises when it's time to leave. With longer stays a rental property often works out to be cheaper than an extended booking in a hotel, with the addition of all the home-from-home comforts and privacy that a hotel just can't give you.