Hi Chaps,

We’re thinking of moving from our current rented property, but don’t know when – possibly in the next 4 months.

We’re due to sign a new contact for 6 months, which we have done twice previously.

There is a statement in the wording that reads:

“The minimum period of let is 6 months. The tenant must give a minimum of one months notice of intent to vacate the property.

The end date of the notice period must not fall within the minimum 6 month let period.”

So, if we sign up for another 6 months, are we bound to this 6 month period? And if not, do we just see if we can let the house on a month by month basis?

Thanks chaps,

Ricks

You would have the property for six months. After that you would have to give one month notice to quit.

Its a typical cheat on ASTs, you are not tied in for 6m you are tied in for 7m (6+1). In reality, assuming they have no other security from you you are actually tied in for howevermuch your deposit is (1m, 1.5m?)…

At the end of the 6 month contract if you carrying on paying as you did then you will just go onto a rolling contract. The terms stay the same and you can just give one months notice and move out when ready

Bar room lawyers, re-read what it says. It isn’t 6+1. It’s 6 months, with a month’s notice. The end of that notice can’t be before the 6 month period (ie serve notice at 5 months and you’re out in 6).

EDIT: or you could just give 6 months’ notice on day one for the same effect. So long as you’re in there paying rent for at least 6 months is all they care about.

AFAIK (long time since I rented a place TBH) Rocco is right to suggest that after the minimum term, you’re onto a rolling one month tenancy with a month’s notice.

I’d just suggest you let the existing contract roll on with a months notice on either side.

If you’ve been good tenants etc then I’d imagine most landlords will let this happen (although agents might be less happy as they charge for issuing the new contract).

they charge for issuing the new contract

And that’s the kicker. The agent makes us sign every 6 months, and is keen for us to continue to do so.