Why ask us?

zmblake

Just looking for some advice, we've been renting our current property since April 2021, it was a 6 month fixed term rental thereafter on a rolling contract until one party or other gives notice.  They've recently asked us to sign a 12 month contract and we can't work out why?  We have asked the question but they haven't come back to us.  We are reluctant to sign it as we've had heating issues every month since we have been here, they have tried their best to sort the issues but unfortunately we are still having issues, plus we are looking to move as finding the place a bit small.  Basically just wondered what their reason is for us to sign a 12 month contract now? 

Stenwold

I'd imagine it's either due to your landlord wanting a bit of security if you're living in an area with a lot of vacant rental properties, or it could be a requirement from their lender in order to get an improved mortgage deal. 

Titus_Wadd

You don't have to sign, just let it become a rolling monthly tenancy.

zmblake

Thank you so much for your replies, confirmed my thoughts, we won't sign and keep to a rolling monthly tenancy I think. Appreciate your replies.

london21

Likely for more security moving from 6 months tenancy to 12 months.

If you are looking to move and do not want to sign a 12 months tenancy just inform them.

aoleks

keep in mind that should you decide not to sign, the landlord can decide to evict you. it will take some time, but it is possible.

if the reason is indeed the number of vacant properties in the area, you should have no problem securing a new property, maybe at a better price.

back on planet earth, though, they'll probably find someone who will sign a 12 months contract yesterday, if you catch my drift.

canaldumidi

Who is 'they'? The landlord? Or his agent?

Agents sometimes do this as they can charge the LL a fee for the contract.

martindow

Could it be that there is some aspect of the paperwork that is not in order which would prevent the LL from enforcing an S21, that could be remedied by the T accepting a fresh contract?

sourpuss2021

It will be because the agency want their commission!  You sign and they charge the LL for getting a contract renewal

 . Even though as you've worked out it's not necessary when it is now periodic anyway.

canaldumidi

martindow said:

Could it be that there is some aspect of the paperwork that is not in order which would prevent the LL from enforcing an S21, that could be remedied by the T accepting a fresh contract?

Unlikely that would remedy the problem - the tenancy started back when the tenant originally moved in, not when the new tenancy agreement is signed.

Though I guess the landlord might think it would remedy the problem....

SavingPennies_2

You don't need to sign it! But...when this happened to me and I said I wanted to go on a rolling contract, the LL immediately came back with a rent increase. I was in the process of buying so wasn't too bothered and handed my notice soon afterwards but bear it in mind. No ideas about the legalities but it's swings and roundabouts, some people prefer the flexibility of a rolling contract, others want the security of signing up for another 12 months.