How easy is it to get a 6-month break clause into a tenancy in London? I don’t think I can afford to take on the liability associated with 12-month term should my personal circumstances change.

2 options I have seen work 1)get an 18 month contract with a 6 month break clause 2)get a 12 month rental and pay 6 months upfront (if you have the cash) and argue for a 6 month break clause Both of the above have worked for me in the past (pre covid) but a lot also depends upon the agency/landlord. Some are flexible vs others

You’ll probably have to just offer quite a bit over asking and stipulate clearly in your offer. If you can stretch to 9 months even better. Alternatively, the market is hot right now, so it may be easy to find someone to take over your tenancy if you need to leave early or break a longer contract. 6 months from now fits into summer when students are moving around, so should be fine.

I’ve always found the best approach is to use Spareroom or gumtree or something to find a private let directly from the landlord, avoids tons of fees from agencies and they’re usually better at handling issues provided you meet them and check them out / trust them. Then just arrange a rolling contract where you pay like 2 months inn advance with 2 months notice on either side to change the contract

Market is hot so this is not easy anymore. The only ways I’ve seen it done successfully by myself & friends are: 1) Make it a business break clause (this only works if you’ve relocated recently or you are here on a work visa) 2) Pay 6 months rent up front

I did it in September while also negotiating price. Can be done. Just said it was due to covid and was unlikely to be exercised and they accepted

Good luck, not easy, but try asking

Interesting, both my current and last tenancy was on a 4-month break clause. Both seem to be boiler plate contracts from openrent

LOL, I’ve just committed to a 24 month break clause due to the competition

It can be done, we've done it twice. Honestly in the current climate I'd rather search longer than accept a tenancy without break clause, you never know and if there are any issues with the flat and the letting agencies are shitty and don't do anything about it, it's way worse now with WFH to be stuck with a flat for a whole year. Definitely insist on the break clause with the letting agency - they mostly just reject it without even asking the flat owner. In both our cases the landlords liked us and our profile and was happy to accept the break clause - keep in mind that it gives them a sense of security as well, there are many shitty tenants out there.

Try using openrent.com. You rent from the landlord direct rather than agencies so might be able to negotiate

I have a 3 month break clause. Check out Fizzy Apartments. There's a few throughout London.