Tenant Wants a 4-month agreement

crisp

I have a potential tenant that wants a 4-month agreement due to his university course.

Are there an implications for an agreement less than 6-months?

can I use an AST agreement?

thanks

GoldenGirl25

As far as I know you can have a contract of any period of time, its just more common to have standard 6 /12 month contracts.

Its up to you what you put in the contract eg dates so you can do 4 months!

In this case clauses regarding notice is whats going to make the difference.After the fixed period is up you want to make sure it dosent automatically default to a periodic tenancy.

So make sure that the contracts states clauses regarding the tenant giving you written notice a month before the end of the term to end the contract,

A clause that you will give written notice 1 months before the end of the contract

As long as the contract is ended legally by either party giving notice (The onus should be on you)

Then you should have any problems!

sooz

ASAIK there is no longer a minimum term for an AST. However, if you needed to get the tenant out through the courts, you cannot start to apply for possession before 6 months are up.

theartfullodger

You can have any period you like. Just don't expect to be able to evict before 6 months....

Cheers!

Lodger

alunharford

Sure. I'm a tenant with a 4 month AST at the moment. I believe you can't evict them under S21 within 6 months. Either they will leave at the end or the contract will become a statutory periodic contract.
Agencies don't like that because they can't get a renewal fee.
Landlords don't like the idea of a tenant leaving after 4 months and still having to pay the agency.

If there is no agency involved, however, the only major issue is the hassle of potentially having to find another tenant 2 months earlier if they leave.