Sometimes the answer can be both or neither depending on your circumstances. There are no laws stating that you must enter into a 6 or 12-month tenancy agreement term.
If the property is a long-term investment then the longer the tenancy term (1 to 2 years) the better as it provides you with security of a tenant, reduces wear and tear from multiple tenancy turnovers and will save you money in advertising, reletting costs and lost rent if the property remains vacant. However, if you are considering selling the property or are unsure of your future plans then a short-term tenancy of 6 months may be more suitable.
During the year the vacancy rate can greatly fluctuate. There are peak times of the year when properties are in demand and other times where it can be more difficult to rent properties. By understanding the local market we can complement the tenancy term to coincide with high demand times of the year. For example: A tenant is looking to move into the property on 15 June requesting a 6-month tenancy that would expire on 15 December, which is not the best time of the year for a property to become vacant. We would therefore request a 7-month tenancy.
