When can a landlord end a periodic occupation contract?
Asked by: Prof. Fernando McKenzie | Last update: January 30, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (56 votes)
A landlord can end a periodic occupation contract by giving written notice, typically 6 months for a standard periodic contract or 2 months for converted contracts, often using a "no fault" Section 173 notice if allowed in the contract, but they might also use shorter notice for serious breaches like significant rent arrears (e.g., 2 months) or antisocial behavior, requiring a court order for eviction.
When can a landlord serve a notice to end a periodic occupation contract?
Previously known as a Section 21 notice, the notice period for a no fault notice has changed for occupation contracts that began after 1st December 2022 from 2 months to 6 months and can only be used for periodic occupation contracts The notice can also not be given sooner than 6 months after the move-in date.
When can a landlord end a periodic tenancy?
A section 21 notice is commonly referred to as a 'no-fault eviction', as the landlord does not typically need a legal reason to want to evict the tenants. For statutory periodic tenancies, the section 21 notice period will usually be 2 months (or more if the landlord wishes).
What is the occupancy law in Missouri?
Occupancy limits vary between federal, state, and local laws. Missouri occupancy standards require landlords to allow two persons per bedroom, but the maximum number of people allowed to live in a unit depends on where the unit is located.
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.
What is a Periodic Tenancy & What are the Risks of Having One?
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 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.
What is Jake's law in Missouri?
Jake's Law in Missouri requires all law enforcement and correctional officials to check for outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants on prisoners using the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) before releasing or transferring them from any jail or correctional facility, preventing individuals with active warrants from being freed due to oversight. This law was enacted after the tragic death of 6-year-old Jake Robel, who was killed by a man released from jail despite having outstanding warrants.
What can a landlord not do in Missouri?
Landlords cannot refuse to sell, rent, sublease or otherwise make housing available based on a renter's race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin. Landlords also cannot charge some individuals higher rent or falsely state that housing is not available for discriminatory reasons.
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 a periodic tenancy?
The notice must be provided in writing with at least 2 months' notice period to vacate the property, at the end of the fixed term or during a periodic tenancy. If there are no rent arrears or damages to claim for, you can often get an accelerated possession order and evict without a court hearing.
What are valid reasons to end a tenancy?
Landlords must now provide a valid reason—such as rent arrears, property sale, or tenant misconduct—when seeking to end a tenancy. These reforms aim to improve clarity and fairness while protecting landlords' ability to manage their properties effectively.
What are the benefits of a periodic tenancy?
The benefit of periodic tenancies is that they offer landlords and tenants more flexibility. For tenants, it means more freedom to move with shorter notice periods if their situation changes (if they buy a house, for example).
How does a landlord end a periodic tenancy agreement?
You must give your tenants written notice that you want the property back ('notice to quit') and the date they must leave. The notice period you give them must be at least 2 months for section 21 notices.
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 is a periodic occupation contract?
You'll have a periodic contract if: you've never had a fixed term and you have a rolling contract - for example, it runs from month to month or week to week. your fixed term contract has ended and your contract has continued to roll on.
What not to say to your landlord?
When talking to a landlord, avoid lying, badmouthing previous landlords, mentioning illegal activities, promising unrealistic payments (like cash or future crypto), or making excessive demands, as it signals you might be a problematic or unreliable tenant; instead, be honest about your ability to pay and respect lease terms to build trust and a positive relationship.
How much can I sue my landlord for emotional distress?
You can sue your landlord for emotional distress, but the amount varies widely, from thousands for moderate issues to over $100,000 for severe cases, depending heavily on the severity, duration, impact (like lost work), and if the conduct was outrageous (Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress - IIED). Compensation covers therapy, lost wages, and pain/suffering, requiring strong documentation like medical records to prove the distress was a direct result of the landlord's severe, outrageous, or discriminatory actions, not just a breach of contract.
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 is Nathan's law in Missouri?
The bill specifies that a child related by blood, marriage, or adoption will be counted in the total number of children being cared for as it applies to determining if a facility is required to be licensed only if the person is also caring for at least one child who is unrelated by blood, marriage, or adoption to the ...
What is the rule 13 in Missouri?
Filings by Self-Represented Parties. (A) Self-represented parties may file motions, correspondence and pleadings by facsimile transmission if the document, together with any supporting documentation does not exceed 20 pages. Legal files, briefs, and transcripts may not be filed by facsimile transmission.
What is the 12 hour rule in Missouri?
In Missouri, the "12-hour rule" primarily refers to a significant domestic violence law (RSMO 67.315) requiring police to arrest the alleged abuser if called to the same address for domestic disturbance twice within 12 hours, ensuring a mandatory arrest in repeat incidents to protect victims. Other contexts for "12-hour" rules involve peace officers temporarily detaining incapacitated individuals for up to 12 hours, and a state law requiring a 120-hour survival period for inheritance purposes.
Can a landlord terminate 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 is the 2% rule in rental property?
The 2% Rule in rental property investing is a quick screening tool where investors look for properties where the monthly rent is at least 2% of the purchase price, indicating strong cash flow potential (e.g., a $100,000 house should rent for $2,000/month). It's a simple guideline to identify promising deals but ignores crucial factors like expenses, financing, and location, requiring deeper analysis for actual profitability, especially in costly markets where it's harder to achieve.
Can my landlord evict me on a periodic tenancy?
During a periodic tenancy, the landlord cannot evict the tenant unless they use the process in either Section 21 or Section 8. The Renters' Rights Act is due to come into force on 1 May 2026, and it will turn all new and existing tenancies for private renters into open-ended periodic tenancies.