Depends on how the location works for you. I've usually tried 6 months first then if it ticks all the boxes for eg no nosey parkers, and good landlord relations eg repairs and stuff may try a year next time.You might renew for many years if it suits you.

Why move every 6 months unless there's a problem.

Live work-It's down to taste. My girlfriend live-works in the same place and it works for her as it's quite roomy so she has separate 'living quarters' away from the punter zone. And doesn't sleep in the business bed or use the business bathroom. I've never worked from home and like that privacy.

I agree with salty - I've just renewed my tenancy on my work flat for another 12 months and I've no plans to go anywhere, but it has a 6 month break clause so if I wasn't happy (or the landlord wasn't) I could have moved on then. I don't know how common they are, but it's worth looking out for .

A lot of 12 month contracts put the 6 month clause in for both parties benefit it's quite common but if one landlord did not you could always ask for it.

Yep, I've always had 6-month break clauses.

Personally, I think 12 months is better. Moving is a hassle and expensive unless you're just moving short distances between furnished flats. It also gives you time to build up regulars.

The situation's never arose. How would they know? Is this more a question about nosey neighbours?

I presume as long as you don't rent a room in a house where the landlord lives you should be ok. Yes, there's a standard contract clause about not leaving the premises uninhabited for so many weeks on the trot but you'll be in and out working so it won't be abandoned? My landlords either don't live at the location or in the same town or reside outside the UK- so are not likely to know. Not sure how interested they'd be anyway as long as the rent is paid and you're a 'good' tenant.

I prefer to deal with agents as I like that formal barrier between me and the landlord. Just my preference.