Q. According to my Agent my tenancy has now run into ‘Periodic’ what does this mean and how does it impact me as a tenant?
A. Once the fixed term of an AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) tenancy comes to an end if both parties are happy to continue the tenancy but a new term is not negotiated, a Statutory Periodic Tenancy arises. This Tenancy will continue on a periodic basis (generally monthly, if the rent is paid monthly) until either party gives notice. The Tenant may give one months notice to vacate. The Landlord still must give two months notice to the Tenant, because the Housing Act 1988 stipulates that this amount of notice must be given. The notice on a Periodic Tenancy varies slightly in that it falls under Section 21(4a) of the Housing Act 1988. Therefore it must expire on the last day of a period of the tenancy i.e. if you moved in on the 16th of the month, the two months notice must expire on the 15th of the month. If you are renting always make sure that you use a qualified Agent that belongs to either ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings) or the NAEA (National association of Estate Agents) The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is theUK’s leading professional body for estate agency. Its 10,000 members both in theUK and overseas are bound by strict rules of conduct to ensure they offer you the highest level of integrity and service, while the Association’s entry qualification means you can be sure you are dealing with an expert. By choosing an NAEA member you can feel secure in the knowledge that you are in safe hands. If you know that that you defiantly want to stay for another fixed term then speak to your agent who will organise a renewal of the contract for you that will secure another 12 months at an agreed rent. Running on periodic would mean that all the same terms would apply as per the original tenancy agreement.