Extension of rental contract

djt1983

Hi, I'm wondering if someone might be able to offer some advice...

Myself and my fianc!e rent a property, we've been here two years, and we're coming to the end of our latest 6 month tenancy when the estate agent emailed to ask if we were going to extend for another six months, as we have done in the past. I emailed back to say we were, and they said the contracts would be drawn up and they'd let us know when they were ready to sign.

Since then (just a few days ago), we've started talking about whether we've got enough saved to actually buy a house. We're entertaining the idea of moving back in with my parents for maybe 2 months, just to push us to the amount we need for a deposit by saving on rent and all the other associated expenses!

My question is, where do we stand legally, given that I confirmed to the estate agent that we wanted to stay, but we haven't yet signed the contracts? I feel awful about potentially changing our mind like that, but we're talking about saving nearly £3000 in rent by not staying another six months, and the chance to buy is something we've been saving towards for a couple of years.

If anyone can advise I'd really appreciate it before we take any next steps!

Thanks in advance.

harrys_dad

You have no reason whatsoever to sign a new 6 month contract. It is almost certain that if you do not sign one your tenancy will become a statutory periodic tenancy. The only difference is that the landlord can give you two months' notice and you need to give one month's notice. Sounds perfect to me.

Alternatively, just move out to parents at the end of the AST.

Has the agent been charging you a fee each time you have signed a new 6 month AST?

G_M

See

Ending/Renewing an AST (what happens when the Fixed Term ends?)(What is a Periodic Tenancy?)(How can a LL remove a tenant?)(How can a tenant end a tenancy?)

dancingfairy

I'd go on to rolling tenancy while you make a decision so it gives you a bit more flexibility (rather than signing for another 6 months) and it's free! O.K the landlord might not like it and might give you your 2 months notice but they might not. I think the only way to find out is to enter into a conversation with the landlord (not the letting agents who are probably only interested in charging you a nice big fee).
Do not trust everything the letting agents say and don't worry about changing your mind. You haven't signed anything yet so don't panic.
Best of Luck
df