As a tenant in the UK, it is important to know what happens when your tenancy agreement expires. The type of tenancy agreement you have will determine what happens at the end of your tenancy.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
Most tenants in the UK have an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. This type of tenancy is the most common and typically lasts for six or twelve months. At the end of your agreement, several things could happen:
1. Renewal: If you are happy with your current tenancy and the landlord is willing to extend it, you can renew your tenancy agreement for another fixed term. This means you will remain in the property for a set period of time.
2. Rolling tenancy: If your landlord is not willing to extend your tenancy agreement, your tenancy will automatically become a rolling tenancy. This means your tenancy will continue on a month-to-month basis until either you or the landlord gives notice to end the tenancy.
3. Vacate the property: If you do not wish to renew your tenancy and your landlord is not willing to extend it, you must vacate the property by the end of the notice period stated in your tenancy agreement.
Assured Tenancy
If you have an assured tenancy, your tenancy agreement will have no fixed end date. You have the right to remain in the property for as long as you wish, as long as you continue to pay rent and adhere to the terms of your tenancy agreement. If you wish to leave the property, you must give your landlord notice in writing.
Protected Tenancy
If you have a protected tenancy, which is rare in the UK, your tenancy will be protected by law and you have the right to remain in the property for as long as you wish. You may wish to consider seeking legal advice if you have a protected tenancy.
In summary, what happens when a tenancy agreement expires in the UK will depend on the type of tenancy you have. If you have an assured shorthold tenancy, your tenancy could either be renewed for a fixed term, become a rolling tenancy, or you may be required to vacate the property. If you have an assured or protected tenancy, you have the right to remain in the property.