Options at the end of a fixed term tenancy

If you agreed to rent your home for a set period of time, such as a year, you must decide what you want to do when the contract expires.

When the tenancy ends, you have the following options:

  • Sign a new agreed-term tenancy (if your landlord agrees)
  • Stay on and your tenancy will automatically be converted to a month-to-month arrangement (also known as a periodic or rolling tenancy)
  • Move out at the end of your contract - you may need to give your landlord notice.

If your landlord does not want you to stay, they must give you written notice.

SIGN A NEW FIXED TERM TENANCY AGREEMENT

Your landlord may offer you a new fixed-term tenancy agreement, or you may request one. You must pay the rent until the end of the new fixed term if you sign a new fixed term tenancy agreement.

You can't end a fixed-term tenancy early unless:

  • Your rental agreement contains a break clause that allows you to give notice early if both you and the landlord agree that the tenancy may end early.
  • If you want to extend your term, your landlord or renting agent might charge you a fee. You can try to bargain for a decrease or cancellation of this. Some landlords favour enduring renters. If you want to remain for two years or longer, think about requesting a longer-term lease.

WHAT IS A PERIODIC TENANCY

A periodic tenancy, as opposed to an AST, will continue to exist on a monthly basis until either party to the contract gives notice of contract termination. The landlord's notice period is usually two months, and the tenant's notice period is one month.

LEAVE AT THE END OF THE TENANCY

If you wish to leave at the conclusion of the stipulated period, you must properly terminate your tenancy.

LANDLORD WISH YOU TO LEAVE MUST:

If your rental has a definite end date, your landlord must provide you notice before asking you to go. You must get at least two months' written notice if you have an assured shorthold tenancy. A section 21 notice will often be used by your landlord.

RENT INCREASE

If you agree to stay for another set term after your initial fixed term has ended, your landlord may raise the rent. Your landlord has the right to issue you notice to vacate if you reject the rent increase. Another tenant could be able to rent from your landlord at the higher rent. If your landlord agrees to a smaller increase in exchange for avoiding having to re-let the property, you can approach them about it.