When your lease runs out, you do not have to leave the property, unless you or your landlord take specific steps to end the tenancy. Otherwise, it will continue on exactly the same terms.
You do not need to do anything unless you receive a notice from your landlord. The notice must be ‘prescribed’, meaning it is a set form used for the purpose according to the law.
New arrangements
Your tenancy arrangements would only change if one of the following happens:
- you formally give up the tenancy
- you come to a new agreement with the landlord
- the landlord serves you a notice of intention to gain possession of the property (the landlord will also need a court order)
- the landlord serves a notice proposing an assured periodic tenancy, where you pay a monthly rent
Assured periodic tenancy
You do not need to do anything if you agree to a landlord’s proposal for an assured periodic tenancy; it will automatically take effect when the lease ends.
If you disagree with it, you should respond in writing within 2 months proposing different terms, otherwise the landlord’s proposal will take effect.
If you cannot agree, the landlord must apply for a decision from the Rent Assessment Committee within 2 months of your counter-proposal, otherwise your suggested terms will take effect when the lease ends.
Extending the lease and buying the freehold
You may still have the option of extending the lease or buying the freehold of the property. Provided you qualify, you can do either after the lease has run out.
But if the landlord has served notice there are time limits:
- 2 months to extend the lease on a house or flat, or to buy the freehold of a house
- 4 months to buy the freehold of the building containing your flat
Template letter
More information you might find useful:
- Security of tenure when the lease runs out: advice guide
- How can I extend my lease? FAQ
- How do I buy the freehold of my flat? FAQ
- How do I buy the freehold of my leasehold house? FAQ
- More Frequently Asked Questions on Lease Extension
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