When do I have to pay the tenancy renewal?

[FrillyMilly]

Our tenancy is due to end on 14th October and we have agreed to renew for 12 months. The charge is £120. When we moved in they would not let us sign anything or pay anything until our tenancy start date of the 15th. We where moving to a new area and had to go to the town centre with a moving van full of our stuff to pay and pick up keys. I therefore assumed the renewal fee would be paid on the 15th October (or thereabouts). I've received a letter with the new tenancy documents. The letter asks for a cheque.

First problem is I don't and have never had a cheque book but I imagine this will be easy to solve. Second problem is I don't really want to pay 2 and a half months before we renew. I'm on unpaid maternity leave and won't get a full wage until September so really don't have £120 to spare. Does anyone know when I have to pay this? I'm going to phone the person who manages our property but it's a big firm and it's really difficult to get through to her. I often leave voicemails that never get a response. I'm also not sure how understanding they will be of our circumstances.

You normally have to give a months notice of your intentions. I think the amount they charge is ridiculous. You could go on a rolling which means you only have to give a months notice and no fee.

Insist on a rolling contract in future,

Tbh the last time we rented we just didn't pay this charge (waited to see what they would do about it...) turned out nothing. It has been several years since we moved on so think we're safe

You don't have to renew your contract if you don't want to. You can just go onto a Statutory Periodic Tenancy if you want, which is what happens if you do nothing. Google it for more info.