Do they need a good reason to end a tenancy?

TrickyDicky

We are currently getting a relativly good deal on our 2 bed rented flat. We started the tenancy 18 months ago on a 12 monthly basis with the rent increasing at RPI every year. This means that currently we are paying around £50-100 less per month than the other flats in the building have gone on the market for (the landlord also wanted about 10% increase when we renewed, until we pointed out the RPI clause in our contract). We were wondering if the landlord can just ask us to leave or has to have a good enough reason, with "More money can be had from someone else" not being good enough. We always pay on time and are good tennants.

The tenancy isnt up for renewal until the beginning of feb. We are on 1 month notice, with the landord needing to give us 2 months.

barnaby-bear

TrickyDicky wrote: »

We are currently getting a relativly good deal on our 2 bed rented flat. We started the tenancy 18 months ago on a 12 monthly basis with the rent increasing at RPI every year. This means that currently we are paying around £50-100 less per month than the other flats in the building have gone on the market for (the landlord also wanted about 10% increase when we renewed, until we pointed out the RPI clause in our contract). We were wondering if the landlord can just ask us to leave or has to have a good enough reason, with "More money can be had from someone else" not being good enough. We always pay on time and are good tennants.

The tenancy isnt up for renewal until the beginning of feb. We are on 1 month notice, with the landord needing to give us 2 months.

It's an AST - he can give you notice for any reason he wants or not give you a reason at all, it's tuesday.... but likewise you can leave whenever you want with a months notice....

tbs624

TrickyDicky - yes you can be given notice to leave at the end of your Fixed Term *but* most LLs would rather stick with a tenant who has shown themselves to be reliable over a year or two, than run the risk of a void on the property or potential problems from a new unknown tenant.The new tenant may after all happily pay that nice rent hike for at least 2 months and then just stop paying.....

Experienced LLs do the sums on this one - one or two months with an empty flat effectively wipes out any possible gain from an increase in rent from a new tenant. A void is especially likely to occur when the current tenant to whom you have given Notice, decides to fully exercise their right to "quiet enjoyment" and refuse viewings during their final couple of months.

The LL may also face the cost of redecorating etc to compete with other similar properties and from October this year, all rented properties have to have had an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) done before letting on a new tenancy after this date. ( Cost anywhere from 60 quid upwards). The LL will also have the additional costs of registering a new tenancy deposit (unless he uses the free scheme).

Good tenants are always worth hanging on to (as are good LLs!)

Microstar_2

As a LL, I tend to agree with tbs on this one. I always take the view that 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'. Remember that a one month void will cost the LL around 10% of that year's income on the property (the costs of getting a new tenant have to be factored in). Under current circumstances an annual RPI (4~5%) rent increase would suit me fine!

Millburn_farm

I'm another LL who would rather a good tenant, taking care with my property, paying less but on time with no need to clean up and re-let my house regularly