Renew apartment lease or just keep on living there?

[MyCsPiTTa]

We signed the usual 2 year lease with the land agent and that runs out in the middle of this year. As I understand, during the 1st year, neither of you can break the contract, and in the 2nd year, you can break it, but the landlord can't.

Anyway, I want to know, do I need to do anything official like sign a new lease mid this year when my current one runs out, or do I just keep on living there and paying rent? A friend says that's the case, and the agreement just rolls on on a month-to-month basis. And either party can end it with some notice period.

[PDLM]

We signed the usual 2 year lease with the land agent and that runs out in the middle of this year. As I understand, during the 1st year, neither of you can break the contract, and in the 2nd year, you can break it, but the landlord can't.

This is entirely dependant on what you signed up for. There are no rules about what must or must not be in a lease.

Anyway, I want to know, do I need to do anything official like sign a new lease mid this year when my current one runs out, or do I just keep on living there and paying rent? A friend says that's the case, and the agreement just rolls on on a month-to-month basis. And either party can end it with some notice period.[/QUOTE]By default, if the contract doesn't mention any other arrangement and if no-one gives notice then you simply continue at the same rent. The notice period on either side will be one month unless the lease specifies otherwise. Not though that you need to confirm with the landlord in advance what will happen at the end of the two years. Under most leases the landlord doesn't need to give you any notice for you to move out at the end of the two years because it's a fixed term lease and only continues month to month beyond the two years if the landlord doesn't take possession at the two year point.

But the bottom line is - read what you signed!

[MyCsPiTTa]

Thanks PDLM. The only thing we signed is a 1-pg Provisional Tenancy Agreement. Although it confirms the 1 year fixed, 2nd year optional case I mentioned, it doesn't specify what happens at the end of the 2 years.

Although I'm a bit worried at the thought of being asked to leave with no notice after 2 years, like you mention, I'm reluctant to contact the landlord, as we've been enjoying a pretty good rate (in my opinion) - and I almost suspect the landlord (who we've never had contact with) has almost forgotten about us! I'm sure any negotiation will only lead to a massive increase.

I could talk with the property agent, who is on our same street. They will probably know what to do, but then I bet they will demand to be in on any future deal we sign.

[Claire ex-ax]

The only thing we signed is a 1-pg Provisional Tenancy Agreement.

So you don't have an actual lease? Who do you pay the rent to? The agent?

*alarm bells*

[bak875]

I'm reluctant to contact the landlord, as we've been enjoying a pretty good rate (in my opinion) - and I almost suspect the landlord (who we've never had contact with) has almost forgotten about us! I'm sure any negotiation will only lead to a massive increase.

Don't rock the boat, just keep paying the usual way.

My landlord had sold the flat I live in and now I'm facing a 30% increase in rent.
Funny thing is, Buyer didn't even view the property.

[PDLM]

So you don't have an actual lease? Who do you pay the rent to? The agent?

*alarm bells*

Yes indeed - if you haven't got a lease then something is seriously wrong. Big alarm bells ringing here. Get on to the agent immediately, and if you don't get a very good explanation then you need to be going to the Estate Agents Authority to report them.

[MyCsPiTTa]

I have a standard form signed by both myself and the landlord called entitled "Provisional Tenancy Agreement" which I understood to be quite common - at least a couple of friends have something similar. I also have a Land Registry deed confirming our landlord is the owner and I pay directly into her named account. We also get mail for her all the time as she used to live in the property and we have a reasonably good relationship with the land agent, being that we pass them most days. So I'm not too worried about a grand scam.

I guess I will have to check with the land agent about why we haven't seen a full contract (is there such a thing?) and what to do at the end of our 2 years.

But really, what difference does it make to me where the money's been going the last 2 years - obviously no-one's kicked us out. I'm more worried about prompting a rent hike and the agent wanting another fee for brokering a new contract.

[bookblogger]

What is your immigration status?

[calcalc]

You should have deposit paid to the landlord? so at the end of the agreement you need to contact the landlord to get your deposit returned IF you choose to move out.

If not, you should ask for a renewal else you are living in other's private flat without authorization.

[MyCsPiTTa]

Ok, fair enough. Thanks - I'll post back in a few day to say what the agent/landlord says.