Long term let request UK

[Lauren2938]

I have been a host for just over a year and our longest stays that we have accepted have been for 1 month. I have had a request from a professional couple who would like to let the apartment for 6 months next year. They have a good number of 5* reviews as guests and seem genuine and happy to answer any questions we have. I am, however, a little concerned that it could cause us issues legally, say if they decided not to leave or not to pay. I am wondering if anyone has any information or experience they could share and if I should accept the booking? And if so what questions should I ask or documents should I get from the couple? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Lauren2938 indeed you should worry about the legal issues such as

1) Will you lose your FHL status by accepting this request

2) Will you lose your small business rates relief

3) Are you happy that the profits are no longer pensionable and you can't claim mortgage interest as an expense

4) Have you got an EPC for the property if the tenants will pay for utilities

5) If they are willing to pay a deposit have you researched the deposit protections needed for tenants

6) Are they willing to sign a normal rental contract

If you are truly a short term rental business I would stick to STR

[Helen3]

1. Why do they want a long term let?

2. Why are they not doing a standard long term let so they have tenancy rights  (and no high Airbnb fees)

3. If I had a self contained place I would only do such a long term let as an Assured Shorthold Lease where tenant is liable for bills and council tax and where I credit checked the tenant and take up references

@Lauren2938 

If you let it and they choose not to leave whether on Airbnb or an ASL you would need to evict which can take months and is very expensive, particularly as they may not choose to pay rent