Who is a periodic tenant?

Asked by: Prof. Angelo Schneider  |  Last update: April 8, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (52 votes)

A periodic tenancy works when a tenant and a landlord agree to a written agreement that the tenant will live on the landlord's property for an undefined term until one of the parties issues a notice of termination. Tenants can agree to pay rent on a weekly, monthly, six-month, or yearly basis.

What is a periodic tenant?

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 does periodic tenancy mean?

A periodic tenancy is the legal name for a rolling tenancy with no fixed end date. You have this type of tenancy if: your fixed term assured shorthold (AST) has ended. you did not agree to or sign another fixed term tenancy.

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 the difference between term of years and 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.

What Is a Periodic Tenancy? | Renting Tips

29 related questions found

Can my landlord evict me on a periodic tenancy?

Assured shorthold tenancies ( ASTs ) Your landlord can take back their property without giving any reason if you have either: periodic tenancy (sometimes called a 'rolling tenancy') a fixed-term tenancy that has ended.

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 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.

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.

How does a landlord end a 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.

What is an example of periodic tenancy?

Examples of Periodic Tenancy

A periodic tenancy can either be a week-to-week lease, a month-to-month lease, a six-month lease, or a one-year lease.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is periodic or fixed term tenancy better?

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.

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.

Is a periodic lease good for tenants?

Periodic tenancies can be a good option for tenants who need flexibility, as they can easily move out with proper notice. They can also be a good option for landlords who want to maintain a steady stream of rental income without locking tenants into long-term leases.

How long does it take to evict a tenant?

On average, an eviction takes around 6 weeks; however, in some cases it can take as long as 6 months.

What not to say to your landlord?

Certain things are better left unsaid, such as...

  • 'I hate my current landlord' Every potential landlord is going to ask why you're moving. ...
  • 'Let me ask you one more question' ...
  • 'I can't wait to get a puppy' ...
  • 'My partner works right up the street' ...
  • 'I move all the time'

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.

How many months notice should a landlord give a tenant?

1 months' notice for a monthly tenant; 3 months' notice for a quarterly tenant; 3 months' notice for a half-yearly tenant; and. 6 months' notice for a yearly tenant.

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.

Can I afford $1000 rent making $20 an hour?

*“If you're earning $20 an hour, you might be wondering — can I really afford $1,000 rent? 🤔 You're bringing in about $3,200 before taxes, and experts suggest keeping rent near 30% of your income — that's roughly $960. So yes, $1,000 rent is doable… but it's tight with other bills.

What is the 2% rule in rental property?

The 2% rule is a guideline stating that an investment property should generate monthly rent of at least 2% of its purchase price. For example, if a property costs $200,000, it should bring in at least $4,000 per month in rent ($200,000 x 0.02 = $4,000) for the 2% rule to be satisfied.