Updating post from Reddit.
Hello.
So our AST fixed term is ending in just over a month. We've been staying at this flat for almost 2 years now (renewed once). The issue is that we are at a very uncertain period in our career that we likely have to move out of the current city we are renting in. I don't know if it will be next month or in 6 months time - but it is definitely going to happen. But for the time being we need somewhere to stay here.
So it would be great if we can just transition into a periodic tenancy at the end of the AST - but it is likely that the letting agent will send a request to renew (that is what they did last year).
I understand that I have no obligation to sign the new contract (and that the landlord has no obligation to not give notice to vacate) - and it will just become periodic tenancy as we want.
Now, the question is should I contact the landlord before the renewal request comes in to ask if he is okay with periodic tenancy or let it go into periodic tenancy automatically and say to the agent then? I don't know when the costs are incurred for the landlord - do they have to pay the agent when they send me a request to renew?
I guess what i'm wondering is what method and/or process would likely make the landlord agree to a periodic tenancy most. (I have landlord's phone number - we have been in direct contact for maintenance issues)
The agent will try to push it as they charge the ll for the renewal. Contacting the ll and then telling the agent that you have discussed it may be the best option.
do you know when the cost is incurred for the landlord? i.e. does the landlord get charged only when a new lease is signed? or does the landlord get charged just for the agent sending us the renewal request which is declined?
Not a clue. The agents aren’t allowed to screw tenants for fees anymore so they screw the ll instead.
I don't think you need to do anything or tell anyone. It just becomes rolling.
Ignore the estate agent they just want fees from a new contract. 'No thanks, I'm staying on the current contract'. End of.
However do read the contract in case it does stipulate any terms.
I'd just let it roll over to the 12 month tenancy. I do prefer fixed term tenancy for security but usually offer the tenant the carrot of fixing the rent for the 12 months (e.g without increasing it) so they get something in return of fixing the tenancy. If a tenant refused to fix I'd be very unlikely to start looking into getting rid of them because finding tenants is expensive and time consuming and the agency fees and void periods quickly add up.
I'd probably let the LL know out of courtesy because I've seen some posts here about confusion over expectations of tenants leaving at the end of fixed term and tenants needing to give notice if leaving at the end of fixed term.