Agency won't give us 12 months anymore

ognum

I have noticed a theme on here of posters believing a month by month tenancy agreement is right for everyone.

In my experience this is not true, I have tenants who want yearly contracts, it makes them feel 'safe' for another year. They have often experience LLs selling up or issuing s21 unexpectedly in the past and are happy to know where they are going to live for a year and if they have children where they are going to go to school for the year. They like the stability.

As a LL I am happy for them to have either a monthly, yearly, six monthly contracts and I never hold a tenant to a contract if they request and early exit. My letting agents do not charge for new contracts.

My point is there are different needs out there!

Marycooper

Once when we were in touch over the boiler repair that was going on I mentioned something about renewing the tenancy (this was a couple of years ago now when we were about to sign for another 12 months) as soon as I brought up the topic she did say something like "I'll leave it with the agency that's what I pay them for" so I kind of felt like I shouldn't really contact her for anything other than the absolute necessary. Sorry but it's just the vibe I got, that's why I'm hesitant.

HappyMJ

Marycooper wrote: »

Once when we were in touch over the boiler repair that was going on I mentioned something about renewing the tenancy (this was a couple of years ago now when we were about to sign for another 12 months) as soon as I brought up the topic she did say something like "I'll leave it with the agency that's what I pay them for" so I kind of felt like I shouldn't really contact her for anything other than the absolute necessary. Sorry but it's just the vibe I got, that's why I'm hesitant.

Just knowing whether or not the LL wants to sell would be in your interest. Although you can't guarantee the LL won't change their mind in the next few months you should get some sort of answer as to how long they wish to own the property for. Is it a year, 5 years or until they die and pass it on?

It's very unlikely a LL will ever evict a good tenant that pays on time.

If they say they would keep the property for another 5 years or more then you'll have a very good chance of staying in the property for that length of time even if you're on a periodic tenancy. Just keep paying on time and treating it like your home and you most probably will still be there in 5 years.

Marycooper

Thanks for all your replies guys. I've emailed the agency back and said I'm concerned about the increase in fees and will need to speak to my partner. Leave them to hang for a few days. Will try and build up some bottle to get in touch with the LL. I feel like she won't be that fussed about the agency's ridiculous fees for us but we've never missed our rent in three years so I guess it'd be in her interest to keep us on. Please god I hope she's not wanting to sell!

G_M

If you do contact her, what's the worst that can happen?

She might again say: "I'll leave it with the agency that's what I pay them for".

OK - fair enough. At least you tried that avenue, and you've lost nothing by doing so.

In that case you can either

* continue to negotiate with the agent over a 12 month contract


* continue to negotiate with the agent over a reduced renewal fee (no, they are not set in stone!)

* ignore the renewal and let the tenancy go periodic - in which case I recommend a letter to the LL explaining why, so he is reassured it is not because you plan to leave. The agent might give the LL some other story and recommend eviction (more agency fees!), and this landlord has already said "I'll leave it with the agency that's what I pay them for" so might be swayed by them.