Is periodic tenancy good?

Asked by: Jerome Reichert  |  Last update: June 6, 2026
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

A periodic tenancy (like month-to-month) offers great flexibility for tenants needing to move easily and landlords wanting to adapt, but this freedom means less security, as either party can end it with short notice, allowing landlords to raise rent annually and tenants to move without long commitment. It's good if you value adaptability and shorter commitment, but less ideal if you want guaranteed housing stability or locked-in rent for a set term, like with a fixed-term lease.

What are the disadvantages 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.

Which is better, fixed or periodic tenancy?

It depends. A fixed term offers more control and income stability. A periodic agreement offers flexibility but carries more risk. For most landlords, starting with a fixed term is the safer option.

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.

Is a periodic lease good for tenants?

Periodic lease is probably better for the tenants if they are looking at buying their own place to move into, as it means they can move out early if they need to. Would also allow them more time to find a rental they actually like, rather than being forced to take whatever they can get when the fixed term is up.

What Is a Periodic Tenancy? | Renting Tips

39 related questions found

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 type of lease is best for a landlord?

Fixed-term lease

It is the most common type of residential lease, giving landlords reliable rental income and reduced vacancy rates. Many landlords prefer this lease type as it provides long-term financial security and minimizes tenant turnover.

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.

How long can a periodic tenancy run for?

For example, if the tenant pays monthly in the fixed term, then the periodic tenancy will run from month to month. Or if your tenant pays 5 months up front and then makes one monthly payment in the fixed term, then it will run from month to month.

What is the best excuse to break a lease?

The "best" excuse to break a lease legally without penalty usually involves military deployment, domestic violence, or if the landlord creates uninhabitable living conditions (like no heat, major mold, pests), which are often protected by law. For other common reasons like job changes or financial hardship, you must check your lease for an early termination clause or negotiate with the landlord, often by helping find a new tenant. 

How often can you increase rent on a periodic tenancy?

For a periodic tenancy (rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis) your landlord cannot normally increase the rent more than once a year without your agreement.

Is it worth taking a fixed term contract?

Ultimately, FTCs are a great opportunity to learn new skills, undertake project work, and take on a new challenge in a business you may not have considered previously.

What are red flags when renting a house?

Red flags when renting include poor property maintenance (leaks, pests, broken appliances), an unresponsive or pushy landlord, suspiciously low rent, shady application processes (asking for cash, no screening, vague terms), and missing paperwork like a lease or rental license, all pointing to potential scams or a difficult rental experience. Always inspect thoroughly and trust your gut if communication feels off. 

What is the 2% rule in rental property?

The "2% rule" in rental property investing is a quick screening tool suggesting the gross monthly rent should be at least 2% of the property's purchase price, meaning a $100,000 property should rent for $2,000/month, helping identify potentially profitable deals with positive cash flow early on, though it's a simplified metric that doesn't account for all expenses like maintenance, taxes, or vacancies, making further analysis essential. 

What is the 30% rule when renting?

The 30% rent rule is a guideline suggesting you spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income (before taxes) on housing costs (rent + utilities) to ensure financial balance, a standard used by lenders and landlords, but it's increasingly seen as outdated or unrealistic in high-cost areas, with experts recommending a personalized budget considering other debts, location, and savings goals.
 

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.
 

What are the drawbacks of periodic tenancy?

Disadvantages of a periodic tenancy include less stability, as either party can end the tenancy with notice, potentially frequent rent changes, and uncertainty over the tenancy duration.

What happens at the end of a periodic tenancy?

A periodic tenancy has no fixed end date and continues until either party decides to terminate it by serving the appropriate notice. The tenancy renews at the end of each rental period, which is typically linked to how often rent is paid: If rent is paid monthly, the tenancy rolls over monthly.

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.

How much notice does a landlord need to give to end a periodic tenancy?

Landlords can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days' written notice without giving a reason, the notice must not be given in retaliation.

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 the 90% rule in leasing?

The 90% rule in leasing is an accounting guideline for classifying leases as either finance leases (like a purchase) or operating leases (like a rental), stating that if the Present Value (PV) of all lease payments is 90% or more of the leased asset's fair market value at lease inception, it's typically a finance lease. It helps determine if the lease effectively transfers the risks and rewards of ownership, requiring capitalization on the lessee's balance sheet.
 

Do landlords prefer longer or shorter leases?

Stability

Long-term leases offer the advantage of stable pricing, as landlords can't increase rent during the lease duration, with some exceptions. While short-term leases offer flexibility, they often result in inconsistent income for property owners.

Is it better to lease 24 or 36 months?

A 24-month lease offers quicker upgrades and higher monthly payments for short-term needs, while a 36-month lease provides lower monthly costs, better overall value by spreading depreciation, and often aligns perfectly with the vehicle's warranty, making it a balanced choice for most drivers wanting affordability and warranty coverage. Choose 24 months for frequent changes, but 36 months usually wins for saving money monthly and getting more value over the standard warranty period.