It probably depends on the availability of apartments in the area. If the market is tight and there is not much to choose from, it will be difficult. But if there is a glut of available apartments, they (the landlords) should be easily approachable to a shorter time-period. It is better to earn something than nothing.

You know, 6 months is not all that long. By the time you move, get settled in, start learning the area to determine where you really want to live, find the right house, and then finally close, 6 months might not seem so long. The trick will be to keep from getting pulled into another 6 month lease if the whole process ends up taking 7 or 8 months.

Smaller complexes are more willing to negotiate. Be honest, tell them you are looking for a house and want to be able to move out after closing.

I have written 1-year leases that had a clause that allowed the tenants to end the lease and move out ONLY if they showed me the closing papers on their new house.

We have signed 4 month leases for people who are very transient. But on a shorter lease, the deposit is absolutely non refundable.

Most properties will do a month to month. The cost is substantially higher. I agree with doing a six month lease and then let it expire and it automatically rolls to a month to month price. Good luck.

Look for someone who wants to sublet for a few months. One resource is:

Craigslist

Well, the link I posted doesn't seem to work. Maybe a GardenWeb blocking policy. What you want to try is:
www.craigslist.com

It may also depend upon local regulations. In Florida a rental or lease for a period of less than 6 months is considered a temporary domicile and the landlord is required to pay an additional bed tax therefore most landlords insist on signing a lease of 7 months or more.

On the other hand, if you are honest with the landlord going in, many may be willing to sign a longer lease with an agreement that they will release you early with a 30 day notice.

I would find a contact in your new area, either a relocation service or through a local realtor, who will be able to give you a list of places that offer short term rentals.

My husband needed to rent an apartment in Georgia recently (this week). He asked about short leases. The apartment manager told him he could sign a 3 month lease and pay $50 extra a month or a six month lease at the original price, with an option to terminate the lease after 3 mos. Guess which one he chose, and all because he asked?

I'm doing a month-to-month now, which was stupid on my part. I've lived at my complex for five years and thought I'd be ready to move into a house this year so last August when my lease was up I signed on month-to-month. Needless to say I didn't move and have paid $50 more per month with this lease. My lease is up again next month and I'm just signing for the full year. If I need to get out early I'll beg and plead. I've been a good tenant (rent late by just a day once) and they have no reason to not let me out.

I think most places would be willing to do it, new renter or not, because there's so much vacancy right now due to low or zero down mortgages.