What is maximum length of assued shorthold tenancys?

pastmybest

I really have tried to search and go back through old posts but no joy so can anyone help on this.

I have found a private landlord who is happy to do more than six months and who said they believe they can offer up to 3 years. But they need to ask their solicitor during next week.

Is three years really possible and is it the same rules as for a six month let? If I went in for more than six months is there anything for me to watch out for?

N79

7 years is really the maximum possible.

In reality, anything over 3 years requires more complex legal work.

Anything under 3 years is no more complex than 6 months.

Longer fixed periods are riskier for LLs.

pastmybest

N79 wrote: »

7 years is really the maximum possible.

In reality, anything over 3 years requires more complex legal work.

Anything under 3 years is no more complex than 6 months.

Longer fixed periods are riskier for LLs.

Thanks N79 I am very grateful for your input.

nonnatus

Oh God, What happens after 7 years?? I have been happily renting privately for 6 and a half years and am in no hurry to move AT ALL. Am I supposed to re-negotiate or something? My rent hasn't changed in all this time and I have been a minimum hassle tennant. Gulp. Hadn't even thought about it.

silvercar

Is there a mortgage? Most BTL mortgages won't allow a tenancy for more than a year (which can be renewed). Doesn't mean the landlord can't do it, just means the lender won't acknowledge it. Won't affact the tenant unless the mortgage lender repossesses and then the tenant has little rights (or at least no rights from the lender).

theartfullodger

An AST will simply carry on on the same terms at the end of the fixed-term unless the tenant or landlord do something to bring it to an end... (or sign a new one...)

Most tenants ( and most landlords..) chose not to sign longer than 6 or 12 months fixed-terms at the start of a relationship as they don't really yet know if they really really really want to stay (eg..) 3 years...

Consider: You sign a 5 year deal... the find the neighbours have rowdy parties during every summer and at Easter, or the local stream floods your front room every spring etc. etc. etc.. or, indeed, you get a new job & want to move.. Still want those 5 years??

I tell prospective tenants that they can stay as long as they like.. as long as they are happy & I the Landlord am happy...

Cheers!

Lodger

Pepzofio

nonnatus wrote: »

Oh God, What happens after 7 years?? I have been happily renting privately for 6 and a half years and am in no hurry to move AT ALL. Am I supposed to re-negotiate or something? My rent hasn't changed in all this time and I have been a minimum hassle tennant. Gulp. Hadn't even thought about it.

I think it's 7 years per fixed term. You can renew as many times as you like at the same address. In fact, AFAIK, you could remain on a statutory periodic for as long as you want - I think it's just the time you can be 'tied in' to a contract that is limited.

theartfullodger

nonnatus wrote: »

Oh God, What happens after 7 years?? I have been happily renting privately for 6 and a half years and am in no hurry to move AT ALL. Am I supposed to re-negotiate or something? My rent hasn't changed in all this time and I have been a minimum hassle tennant. Gulp. Hadn't even thought about it.

If you are happy & LL is happy, why would he stop?? Mind you, no rent increase in 6.5 years sounds very odd... is he still alive??

Cheers!

Lodger

G_M

nonnatus wrote: »

Oh God, What happens after 7 years?? I have been happily renting privately for 6 and a half years and am in no hurry to move AT ALL. Am I supposed to re-negotiate or something? My rent hasn't changed in all this time and I have been a minimum hassle tennant. Gulp. Hadn't even thought about it.

The question was about maximum 'Fixed Term contract'. It is unlikely you have a 7 year Fixed term. More likely you initially had a 6 (or 12) month contract and then
either had a number of new 6 month fixed term contracts
or moved onto a 'periodic' tenancy' which rolls on month by month and can be ended by either party at any time (subject to certain notice conditions).

In either case there is no limit to how long these arrangements can continue, as long as both sides are happy.

I suggest you look at your original and any subsequent agreements to check your position.

G_M

pastmybest wrote: »

I really have tried to search and go back through old posts but no joy so can anyone help on this.

I have found a private landlord who is happy to do more than six months and who said they believe they can offer up to 3 years. But they need to ask their solicitor during next week.

Is three years really possible and is it the same rules as for a six month let? If I went in for more than six months is there anything for me to watch out for?

There is no difference in terms, rights, obligations between 6 months or 3 years.

Many LLs, and tenants, welcome the certainty of a longer arrangement. However there is usually a limit as noone can predict what life will bring 3, 4,5 years ahead. If a 7 year fixed term is signed, what happens if after 2 years the tenant gets a new job and needs to move? Or finds a partner to live with/starts a family & wants a bigger place? or wants to move nearer family? Or...or? Similarly a LL's circumstances could change meaning he wants to sell etc etc

With a 7 year contract both parties get security but at a huge cost to flexibility.

pastmybest

silvercar wrote: »

Is there a mortgage? Most BTL mortgages won't allow a tenancy for more than a year (which can be renewed). Doesn't mean the landlord can't do it, just means the lender won't acknowledge it. Won't affact the tenant unless the mortgage lender repossesses and then the tenant has little rights (or at least no rights from the lender).

In my case the landlord owns outright.