letting agent contract renewal.

fishpond

My friend has a tenant on a 12 month let, sorted by a letting agent.(even though she manages it)
She has been to the letting agent today to discuss renewing the tenants contract, but for 6 months not 12.
It seems that the agent will not contact the tenant until there is one month left to run on the existing 12 month contract.
Does this sound like normal practice for letting agents?
Many Thanks

stuartroberts

very normal, we requested a rolling monthly tenancy after our initial 6 month agreement, just ask for it in writing

jjlandlord

fishpond wrote: »

It seems that the agent will not contact the tenant until there is one month left to run on the existing 12 month contract.

It's not their decision, it's your friend's: If he instructs his agent to do something that falls within what the agent is contracted to do then his agent must do it.

fairy_lights

fishpond wrote: »

It seems that the agent will not contact the tenant until there is one month left to run on the existing 12 month contract.
Does this sound like normal practice for letting agents?
Many Thanks

It sounds like normal practice for letting agents to pretend they know best...but they are working for your friend and if he wants them to contact the tenant about it now, they should do as he asks.
The tenant might prefer to go on to a rolling contract though, is that something your friend has taken in to consideration?

G_M

If the agent is employed (and paid!) by the LL, they should do what they are instructed (and paid) to do.

But if the LL is self-managing, why involve (and pay for) the agent at all?

Come to that, why renew? Go Periodic.

read:

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?)

fishpond

Does this mean when the tenant pays weekly it is a minimum of a weeks notice ?
Pay's fortnightly minimum of two week's notice
Pay's monthly minimum of month's notice is this correct?

theartfullodger

Nope, minimum of 28 days notice from tenant, but beyond that length (week, 2--weeks etc) of rent-payable-period notice periods related to period length.

See P f E Act 1977 S5
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/43/section/5

5 Validity of notices to quit.

(1) no notice by a landlord or a tenant to quit any premises let (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) as a dwelling shall be valid unless—

(a) it is in writing and contains such information as may be prescribed, and

(b) it is given not less than 4 weeks before the date on which it is to take effect.

Note also in writing (many tenants fail to do this & they suffer ..)

mrginge

Shouldn't OP and G_M be conducting this discussion in private?

Perhaps over dinner?

Sorry, couldn't resist

fishpond

mrginge wrote: »

Shouldn't OP and G_M be conducting this discussion in private?

Perhaps over dinner?

Sorry, couldn't resist

I think your jealous.

G_M

Ok, let's get one thing straight: I only do dinner with hunks. 6'3+. Hair everywhere - and I mean everywhere. Bulging muscles & pecks (ok, so I don't really know what pecks are but you get the idea).

And preferably thick as two (better still a single) short planks. No dreary intellectual conversation please. Just "Does this mean when the tenant pays weekly it is a minimum of a weeks notice ? Help me.......".