Moving house can be very stressful. We’re here to put your mind at rest and make the process easier. These are answers to questions we’re often asked.
How much notice do I need to give to end the tenancy?
The period of notice depends on whether the term of your tenancy is a fixed-term or periodic tenancy. You can find this information in your Tenancy Agreement, or please feel free to contact your Property Manager.
What happens if I move out before my fixed-term tenancy expires?
A fixed-term tenancy can’t be terminated before the term is complete unless both parties agree.
How to get your bond back!
What happens if I move out before my periodic notice tenancy expires?
Generally, a tenant must give a landlord at least 28 days written notice when they want to end the tenancy. A landlord may allow a tenant to give shorter notice. This should be stated in writing.
What happens if the landlord wants to end my periodic tenancy?
Generally, a landlord must give a tenant at least three months (90 days) written notice to end the tenancy. However, there are some circumstances where the landlord is not required to give that much notice.
If the owner of the property or a member of the owner’s family requires the property to live in, then the notice period is 63 days.
If the owner wishes to place the property on the market or if there is an agreement to sell and the buyer wants the property empty, then the notice period is 90 days.
If a landlord regularly uses, or has purchased, the property for their employees to live in, 63 days notice applies. However, the tenancy agreement must clearly state that the property is generally used for this purpose.
If 63 or 90 days notice is given, the landlord must include the reason in the notice to end the tenancy.
If a landlord gives a tenant notice to end the tenancy, then the tenant is entitled to continue possession of the property until the termination date. However, if the tenant chooses to move out sooner than that date, then they must still provide written notice to the landlord. Sometimes a landlord will not mind the tenant leaving earlier but this must be agreed between them in writing.
It’s nearing the end of my fixed-term tenancy. What happens now?
If the fixed-term tenancy was signed before the law changed on 11 February 2021 and is for longer than 90 days, the tenancy will automatically become a periodic tenancy when it ends.
If the landlord or the tenant doesn’t want it to become a periodic tenancy, they need to give notice saying this. The notice must be given between 90 and 21 days before the expiry date of the fixed term.
If the fixed-term tenancy was signed on or after 11 February 2021 and is for longer than 90 days, the tenancy will automatically become a periodic tenancy when it ends.
If the tenant doesn’t want it to become a periodic tenancy, they need to give 28 days’ notice before the expiry date of the fixed term.
If the landlord doesn’t want it to become a periodic tenancy, they need to give a reason for ending the tenancy and provide notice based on the requirements of that reason. The reasons are the same as for ending a periodic tenancy.
I’ve gotten a new flatmate during the term of my tenancy. What do I do?
Your new flatmate will need to complete an application form and supply references that meet our approval. We need to add them to both the tenancy agreement and the bond form. If a departing flatmate needs their bond back, you will need to arrange this and there is a charge for the transfer. Please contact your property manager before your new flatmate moves in and for any other help you may need.
Your final inspection
Once you have completely finished moving all your belongings, the property has been cleaned and the keys have been handed back, your property manager will complete the final property inspection. If there is anything your property manager needs to discuss with you, they will be in contact. For example, you may be asked to complete additional cleaning or garden work to our satisfaction before your bond is returned.
Property viewings
If you have given notice to vacate the property we ask that you give us access to show prospective tenants around. Of course we will always give you notice and arrange a time to suit you. A property manager will always attend any viewings to show prospective tenants around the property.
