Can my landlord evict me on a periodic tenancy?

Asked by: Savanah Wiza Jr.  |  Last update: March 2, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

Yes, a landlord can evict you on a periodic tenancy (like month-to-month) but must provide proper written notice, which varies by state (e.g., 15-30+ days in Florida/NY) and follows specific rules, with a court eviction process needed if you don't leave, as self-help evictions (lock changes) are illegal. Landlords don't always need a reason ("no-fault") but must follow the statutory notice periods and legal procedures, which can include filing for eviction after notice expires.

Can I be evicted on a periodic tenancy?

You can use a Section 21 notice to evict your tenants either: after a fixed term tenancy ends - if there's a written contract. during a tenancy with no fixed end date - known as a 'periodic' tenancy.

What are the rules for a periodic tenancy?

A periodic tenancy agreement has no end date. It continues until either the tenant or the landlord gives the correct written notice to end the periodic tenancy. If a fixed-term tenancy is coming to an end and neither party gives the correct notice, the fixed-term tenancy automatically becomes a period tenancy.

What rights do you have on a periodic tenancy?

Every tenant with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is entitled to remain in the property on a periodic tenancy, until either they end the tenancy and leave or the landlord regains possession via a court order.

What are the risks of a periodic tenancy?

Sudden tenant departure: One of the primary risks for landlords in a periodic tenancy is the potential for tenants to leave suddenly. Given the relatively short notice periods required in periodic agreements, landlords may find themselves facing unexpected void periods.

How long can a tenant stay after the lease expires?

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How does a landlord terminate a periodic tenancy?

Landlords will still be able to end a tenancy when they have a genuine need, but they will rely on the grounds-based Section 8 notice procedure instead.

What are the drawbacks of a periodic tenancy?

The main disadvantage to landlords with tenants on periodic tenancies is the fact the tenant can up and leave fairly quickly; there is no longer-term surety of income for the landlord.

Why would a landlord want a periodic tenancy?

Benefits of a Periodic Tenancy for Landlords

A periodic tenancy can have wide-ranging benefits for both landlord and tenant, including; Increased flexibility. If you suddenly need to regain possession of your property, a periodic tenancy speeds up this process as you don't have to wait until the end of a fixed period.

What not to say to your landlord?

When talking to a landlord, avoid badmouthing previous landlords, lying about pets or lease terms, making unreasonable demands (like painting black or having many guests), complaining excessively, mentioning illegal activities, or asking intrusive questions; instead, focus on being a responsible tenant who pays rent on time and respects the property to build trust and a good rental history.
 

How much notice does a tenant have to give to end a periodic tenancy?

Notice periods for ending a periodic tenancy (for tenants)

This agreement should be in writing. If a landlord gives the tenant 90 days' written notice to end the tenancy and the tenant wants to move out sooner, the tenant must still give the landlord at least 21 days' written notice.

How much notice does the landlord have to give a tenant to move out?

A landlord's required notice to a tenant to move out varies significantly by location (state/city) and the reason for the notice, but typically ranges from 3 to 60 days or more, often depending on lease terms, tenancy duration, and if it's for nonpayment (shorter notice) or other lease violations (longer notice). For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days is common, while longer tenancies may require 60 days, and specific lease clauses or eviction reasons (like breaking rules) can alter these periods. 

How can I avoid eviction?

Eviction prevention involves programs and strategies, often combining emergency financial aid (rent/utility help) with case management, legal aid, and mediation to help tenants avoid losing their homes due to financial hardship, job loss, or other crises, with resources found through local housing authorities, social services, and non-profits. Key approaches include diversion programs, rental assistance, and providing tenants with legal rights information, aiming to maintain housing stability for families and save societal costs. 

What are the benefits of periodic tenancy?

The benefits include:

  • Periodic tenancy is flexible. For instance, when landlords want their premises vacated, they can quickly issue a notice without waiting for the expiration date, as in a fixed-term tenancy.
  • Less paperwork is needed. Tenancy contracts require several legal formalities that can be time-consuming.

What is a valid reason to evict a tenant?

Legal reasons to evict a tenant primarily involve non-payment of rent, breaches of the lease agreement (like unauthorized pets, subletting, or significant property damage), engaging in illegal activities or creating a nuisance, and failing to move out after a lease ends or when the property is sold/renovated. Landlords must follow specific legal procedures, including providing proper written notices, and cannot use self-help evictions like changing locks. 

What's the quickest way to get someone out of your house?

The Landlord and Tenant Branch is eviction court, and you do not have to be a landlord to file a case to evict someone. You do not have to use the Landlord and Tenant Branch, but it is usually the fastest way to get a judgment to remove a person from your property.

What defines a periodic tenancy?

A periodic tenancy is a tenancy that continues for successive periods until the tenant gives the landlord notification that he wants to end the tenancy.

What do landlords fear the most?

What Landlords Fear Most. We conducted a pre-Halloween survey where we asked the question, “What is the scariest part of being a landlord?” Of the options offered, ranging from tenant screening worries to foreclosures and finance, one area emerged as a strong concern: that a tenant would damage a rental unit.

What rights does a tenant have?

As a tenant, you have the right to:

  • live in a property that's safe and in a good state of repair.
  • have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends - and in some circumstances have your deposit protected.
  • challenge excessively high charges.
  • know who your landlord is.
  • live in the property undisturbed.

Which of the following actions by a landlord would be illegal?

It's illegal for landlords to discriminate, harass, or retaliate against tenants, as well as to enter without proper notice (except emergencies) or conduct illegal evictions like changing locks or shutting off utilities; they must also provide habitable housing, make repairs, follow legal procedures for security deposits, and give proper notice for rent increases. Landlords cannot take "self-help" evictions or penalize tenants for exercising their rights, ensuring fair treatment and adherence to established legal processes. 

How to evict a tenant on periodic tenancy?

For a periodic tenancy with a rental period longer than 2 months, you must give notice equal to that rental period. To evict tenants following a tenancy agreement breach, the amount of notice ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the grounds for eviction.

Are periodic tenancies automatically renewed?

A periodic tenancy is a type of rental agreement that continues indefinitely until either the landlord or tenant decides to terminate it. This tenancy automatically renews at the end of each lease period, which can be monthly, weekly, or another agreed-upon timeframe.

When can a landlord end a periodic occupation contract?

If you have a periodic standard contract, your landlord can only evict you by giving you written notice and getting a possession order from the county court. Your landlord doesn't need to provide a reason to end a periodic standard occupation contract.

When can a landlord terminate a periodic tenancy?

Periodic tenancies

Landlords can end a periodic tenancy with 42 days' notice if: the owner requires the premises for their principal place of residence or for one of their family members within 90 days of the tenancy ending and will remain living in the home for at least 90 days.

What is the difference between a tenancy for years and a periodic tenancy?

With an estate for years, there's a specific ending date and the lease can be for an extended period of time. In contrast, a periodic tenancy arrangement doesn't have a specific ending date. With periodic tenancy, the length of the lease is indefinite from the very beginning.

How to end a periodic joint tenancy?

Give a 'notice to quit' to your landlord. This ends your joint periodic tenancy and responsibility for rent. You do not need permission from the other tenants or the landlord to do this. But you should to tell the other joint tenants because their tenancy also ends.