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Resources - Move to the Cotswolds
"A year in the Cotswolds" sounds like a great idea, doesn't it? Many real estate agencies offer long term rentals ("residential lettings") as well as houses for sale.
Instead of spending a year or more, another option is to do a two or three month stay. We did this in January - March 2008 and stayed in a vacation rental. Because it was off season, we got a good rate (about 50% more than the monthly cost of a yearly rental) and we did not have to sign up for utilities or phone, or get a visa to stay. I found a vacation rental in the area that I wanted and worked it out directly with the owner.
Another option is to look for a furnished six month let in the winter. People with vacation rentals frequently rent them out for the whole winter. Start looking in August. The rentals usually start in October.
What to Expect When Looking for a Long Term Rental
Leases: Most rentals have a six month to one year lease.
Credit Check/Deposit: Since you don't live in England it is harder to do a credit check, so they may need bank and character references and a larger deposit. Normally a one month's rent deposit is taken; for a foreigner they may want two month's rent.
Furnished Rentals: These are not common, but you will find some. Most people renting in the UK want unfurnished houses.
Pets: Some rentals will not accept pets. Cats are more likely to be accepted than dogs. (It is a somewhat complicated process to get pets ready to move to the UK and takes seven months to complete. Read more about the Pet Travel Scheme on the DEFRA website.)
Prices: Real Estate in the Cotswolds is very expensive. A row house in a popular village that sells for £300,000+, may rent for £1,000 per month.
Extra Charges: Tenants pay utilities plus the yearly Council Tax (can be from £1000 to £1800 per year). In some cases tenants are expected to pay for yearly maintenance (e.g. chimney sweeping, electric testing, gas testing).
Time Needed to Find a Rental: Many properties give two months notice, but some give just one month notice. They try to find a tenant before the property is vacated.
Best Time to Find a Rental: I have been following the listings for a couple of years and do not see obvious times when there are more listings. In the fall you may find vacation rentals being offered for a six month rental (they turn back into vacation rentals for the summer).
Finding a Rental House
RightMove.co.uk: Search for sales and rentals by town and nearby area, or search by region (e.g. "Cotswolds"). All local agencies list on RightMove, so this is the only website you need to check.
Letting Agents for the Cotswolds
There are many agencies, but here are a few good ones.
Butler Sherborn: Sales and rentals, offices in Tetbury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold.
Hardcastles: Rentals only, office in Cirencester.
Perry Bishop and Chambers: Sales and rentals, offices in several Cotswold locations.
The Legal Bits - Visas, Pets, Etc.
Taking your cat to England
DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs): Regulations for bringing pets into the UK. Pets no longer need to be quarantined, but you have to get them chipped, vaccinated and have blood work done. Start this about six months before moving.
UK Border Agency (Home Office): Government website with information for British visas, citizenship, right to abode. You may qualify for the right to live in the UK if one of your parents was born there. See the site for more information.
UK in the US (Foreign & Commonwealth Office): British Embassy in the US. If you are an American wanting to apply for British citizenship, contact your local British embassy.
Dual Citizenship FAQ: Dual Nationality and United States Law. You can be a citizen of the US and of other countries at the same time.
USA - Embassy of Ireland: Information for Ireland.
