Renewals - can I agree an increase in rent and go into a periodic tenancy?

AnnaV

LL wants to increase rent. We are OK with this.

But LA wants us to sign for another year with a break clause.

Don't want to do this, as we are looking to buy and also I don't want to pay LA's renewal fees.

So can I ask for a periodic tenancy and still agree an increase in rent or do we need a contract?

Thanks

BitterAndTwisted

You and your landlord can do anything you like as long as the two of you agree on it.

Naturally, the agent has their own agenda. Like charging a fee for something neither party may need or want.

AnnaV

Thank you.

As a matter of interest, if it's a periodic tenancy how does the agent get paid? Does the landlord pay for a year upfront?

BitterAndTwisted

The agent gets paid by either finding things they can charge a fee for and/or taking a commission on the rents collected.

Some agents do charge their rent-collecting fees a year upfront but it's not usual.

AnnaV

Thank you

pmlindyloo

In fact, you do not have to agree to go onto a periodic contract. If you do not sign a new contract then you will automatically go onto a periodic contract.

Of course, the problem with this is that you may receive a Section 21 seeking possession.

As B&T says this is often the LA trying to get extra money.

Perhaps a quiet word with the LL explaining your position may the route to take. LLs often have no idea of what their LAs are doing. if you go onto a periodic tenancy then you can agree to a rent rise, and have to give one month's notice with the LL giving two months notice (to coincide with your tenancy agreement dates)

Periodic tenancies do not give LLs much notice to get new tenants so that is why LLs/LAs dislike them. (as well as LAs getting extra fees)

G_M

If you do not want a new fixed term (which seems sensible in your case) do not sign one. Whatever the pressure or justifications given.

Your tenancy will then become Periodic by default, at current rent.

If you are happy to pay an increased rent, all your LL needs do is write you an informal letter requesting it.

An acceptance letter from you to the LL would be polite/friendly, but if you start paying it this in itself denotes your acceptance of the new rent.