Advice on how to respond to letting agency re. SPT?

fixx

Hi, our fixed term tenancy is coming to an end, and we would like to move on to a a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (SPT).

I know one automatically commences if there is no other agreement, but it feels like our agency is pushing us for something else (with fees of course!).

Any advice on how to best, and politely, respond? They have stated:

"Please ensure that your written request includes 1 of the following 3 options.

1) Confirmation that you will vacate the property on or before the date stated above. Rent will still be calculated until the final official day of your tenancy agreement.

2) A request to extend your contract for a further fixed term. Please be aware that rents are reviewed in advance of any extensions.

3) A request to move to a monthly contract. Please note that 'monthly' refers to the way that you can serve your notice and does not affect the way in which you pay your rent. Please be aware that rents are reviewed in advance of any extensions."

Is it sufficent to say something like:
"We would like to remain, under the terms of a a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (SPT) as per the Housing Act 1988, Section 5."

And just leave it at that?

silvercar

If you want an SPT then the answer is (3).

Remember no fees can be charged after 1 June.

Comms69

fixx wrote: »

Hi, our fixed term tenancy is coming to an end, and we would like to move on to a a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (SPT).

I know one automatically commences if there is no other agreement, but it feels like our agency is pushing us for something else (with fees of course!).

Any advice on how to best, and politely, respond? They have stated:



Is it sufficent to say something like:
"We would like to remain, under the terms of a a Statutory Periodic Tenancy (SPT) as per the Housing Act 1988, Section 5."

And just leave it at that?

I have a crazy idea - why not just ignore them?

fixx

Thanks both

Sound advice - didn't want to just ignore, as it's too ingrained in me that it's polite to respond! Plus they have generally been very good and quick to respond to any issues.

And their office is only a few doors down from my workplace, so don't want to have awkward encounters in the street...

SpiderLegs

My guess is they are looking for a response in order to create a chargeable event, so they can make some vague justification for either invoicing yourself or the LL (after June).

I would either ignore as above or respond saying you will simply allow the AST to move to an SPT therefore no additional contract will be required.

need_an_answer

SpiderLegs wrote: »

My guess is they are looking for a response in order to create a chargeable event, so they can make some vague justification for either invoicing yourself or the LL (after June).

I would either ignore as above or respond saying you will simply allow the AST to move to an SPT therefore no additional contract will be required.

oh my...I must have totally misjudged being a LL!


I send all of my tenants a reasonably similarly worded email before their initial AST expires giving the same 3 options...not in any way to extort money but simply to keep in touch and know what their onward plans may be.


My preference is always number 3 however Yes I do have 2 sets of tenants who actually request option 2 each year.

I've also never had a tenant ignore my request...I have to admit I've always thought of it as an interaction with the tenant rather than to create anything chargeable or unsettling.

Comms69

need_an_answer wrote: »

oh my...I must have totally misjudged being a LL!


I send all of my tenants a reasonably similarly worded email before their initial AST expires giving the same 3 options...not in any way to extort money but simply to keep in touch and know what their onward plans may be.


My preference is always number 3 however Yes I do have 2 sets of tenants who actually request option 2 each year.

I've also never had a tenant ignore my request...I have to admit I've always thought of it as an interaction with the tenant rather than to create anything chargeable or unsettling.

But you're a landlord, not a letting agent...

need_an_answer

Comms69 wrote: »

But you're a landlord, not a letting agent...

yes I know im the LL...I just don't see the difference between the agency sending that type of letter or the LL sending it....

it doesn't mention in the quoted section about any fees and as you are aware there would be no fees payable by the tenant after 1st June anyway.

Comms69

need_an_answer wrote: »

yes I know im the LL...I just don't see the difference between the agency sending that type of letter or the LL sending it....

it doesn't mention in the quoted section about any fees and as you are aware there would be no fees payable by the tenant after 1st June anyway.

Letting agents don't do things for free, generally. In any case they are not party to the contract. - in essence it's just 'some bloke'.


Yes no fees would be payable after June 1st, but we aren't at June 1st.

theartfullodger

Just ignore the agent.... don't even reply...