Renting Question...

Matt · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:16

I have a 6month contract for renting a flat and am towards the end of it now (it started on the 1st May). Is it correct that even though the term is 6months, the landlord still needs to give 2months notice for me to leave? So if he wanted me to leave by the end of the 6months (which would be the end of October) he would have to of served notice before the 1st of this month? or am i just out when the conract ends at the end of October and he doesnt need to give me notice...

I am a bit confused, as unfortunately the landlord wants to sell, but i havent been given notice to leave.

Steeps · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:19

It would be daft for the landlord to try to sell with the market as it is, if you're willing to stay longer then he might want you to. Ask him what he's planning on doing and suggest what you are planning on doing.

Matt · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:24

I have asked... he wont let me sign for 6/12 months more. The agency think he is mad!

Mr.Clark · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:40

If you only signed a 6 month contract, you have to leave at the end of 6 months.

The only way around this is to sign a new contract that gives you more time.

I think the landlord is mad to try and sell in the current market, but it's his decision. Maybe he wants to emigrate and leave nothing behind.

iraiguana · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:42

He may be unable to fund the mortgage and so needs to consolidate? Would you want to pay more rent?

Raymond Lin · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:45

if you do nothing, and he does nothing, then by the virtue that living there will imply a rolling month to month contract...until he ask you to leave.

TripleT · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:47

He does't need to give you 2months if he's asked you to leave after the 6months. You can't just assume he wants a rolling contract. Ask him but if he say's no, tough luck I'm afraid.

Nodiggidy123 · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:48

Mr.Clark said:
If you only signed a 6 month contract, you have to leave at the end of 6 months.

im not sure if this is correct. iirc there is something like " section 24" which states that after the landlord has issued this,u then have 2 months to make other arrangements and move out by said date. ill have look at my tenancy agreement.

i may be wrong tho.

Mike · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:48

Mr.Clark said:
If you only signed a 6 month contract, you have to leave at the end of 6 months.

The only way around this is to sign a new contract that gives you more time.

This is not true, if neither of you give notice to leave the tenancy will automatically roll into a month to month contract at which he will always need to give you 8 weeks notice to quit and you need to give him 4 weeks notice.

If he wanted you out after the 6 month period he has to serve notice after 4 months of the tenancy.

Nodiggidy123 · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:53

yup. found it. look up housing act 1998 section 21.

TripleT · 18 Sep 2008 at 20:56

I stand corrected then

I've always gone through an agent do they've always pestered etc clos to the 6 months.

Matt · 18 Sep 2008 at 21:34

What i am tempted to do is see if i can just stay here and let him do a couple of viewings a month. If he finds someone to buy then he gives 2 months notice, if i find somewhere new to live i give my 1 month... It would make sense from both sides really.

I might phone the agency and see.