Our 6 month tenancy is due to end,what happens now?

Question

We live in a private rent property and the 6 months is up at the end of this month.
We contacted our landlord and said that the six months is nearly up and was wondering what next, he said not to worry as it was an ongoing tenancy. I'm not quite sure what happens now, do we get another contract to sign or does it just carry on? We get housing benefit as my partner is disabled and its paid direct to the landlord, so we are a bit worried as we don't know what happens about this, if nothing is signed and both us and the landlord agreed to extend the tenancy does the council still pay the rent to the landlord or does something have to be signed.
The main reason I'm worried is we received a letter from the council saying that our rent is paid up til mid April, so I'm just wondering what happens now.

thanks

Answer 1

Contact the council to clarify their position with regards to paying the rent.



As long as they are willing to carry on with the rental payments your landlord will let you remain tennants. I know someone with a 6 month tenancy who has been there for over 5 years with it just rolling over.



If the landlord decides he wants you to vacate the property he should give you 2 months notice to leave.

Answer 2

Normally nothing. The tenancy just rolls over - and unlike for the first 6 months, you have to give one months' notice, and he gives you 2 months notice. Unless the terms of the Lease state otherwise. If you are concerned about the HB side of this, call the Council, Housing Department and confirm the situation.



You don't have to have them pay the money to your landlord you know - unless he prefers it that way. It can be sent to you for you to do the paying. We preferred to do it this way, although our HB didn't cover all our rent - we had to top it up. Just be aware that most HB is paid 4-weekly in arrears whereare most rent is paid monthly, in advance. There can therefore be a degree of shortfall - hopefully your landlord is okay with this, and is keeping a record of the payments.

Answer 3

Once your contract expires, the law (section 5 - 1988 Housing Act) gives you a periodic tenancy. This is exactly the same as your current 'deal' with the exception of anything to do with notice.



You must give a minimum of 1 months notice (ending on the last day of a tenancy period*) to leave.

Your landlord must give at least 2 months notice (ending on the last day of a tenancy period*) before he can apply to the court to evict you.



* Presuming you pay monthly, this will be the same day of the month as the last day of your 6 months.



The Housing Benefit issue is something different. Talk to them and explain that your tenancy will be continuing as a "Statutory Periodic Tenancy" and ask them to confirm that your benefit will not be affected.

Answer 4

A rolling tenancy just continues on a month to month basis. The council will continue to make the agreed payment until you tell them to stop (your situation changes).

Answer 5

You will get a noictice aviction saying what day they want you to go and then once the date has past you will have to leave or the police will moce you out and you will get put into an emergency house