LL would like us to sign a new contract even though we're moving out as he says MC requires it.

[TribbleTuckandDismount]

Hi,

Basically the above, I have never ever come across this in my life.

We're at the end of our initial one year contract, we have said that we want to move out in a few months. He has said he wants us to sign a new contract for six months as his mortgage company requires it. We don't wish to, as to us there seems very little point. Plus I do not wish to be liable for six months of rent.

Is this normal? I thought the standard was that people went onto a rolling shorthold tenancy.

Thanks.

You could agree a tenancy for six months, or less, if he agrees.

However, it all depends on the balance of power between you: how desperate you are to avoid inconvenience, or how desperate he is to avoid a void period (not to mention potentially losing the first month's rent to an agency).

We once managed to get a one-month extension, to tide us over a gap, as the LLs were selling, so they had less time without rent coming in, before they exchanged. However, when we tried it recently, the bastard managing agents were in a far stronger position, as we didn't want to move in our son's first month at school. So, even though we tried to negotiate, we ended up on a higher rental rate and, most gutting of all had to pay for the new contract (those terms are just invidious).

Pluto What is a void period? We're not with an agency, it's a private LL.

I'm a private LL (my house before I met DH) and my tenants have only ever signed one agreement, 4 years ago. My mortgage companies (three as I remortgaged for better rates twice) have never specified anything about contracts, neither has any insurance company I've been with. My tenants are on a rolling shorthold agreement with a two month agreed notice period from either side.

I'd guess there might be something in your smallprint on the original contract about re-signing. If so get the LL to point it out to you, otherwise you would probably be in a rolling contract.

A void period just means the house has no tenants.

Some letting agents try to get paid if the tenants renew, even if the LL manages the place!