How should I word a tenancy contract after 6 months?

Question

This is going to be long term more than 2 years. I will be looking after the property myself.

Answer 1

I assume that you are the landlord. Unless you have agreed a really long period, a normal "shorthold tenancy" agreement for two years will be OK. Try a "law stationer" like Oyez, if you live in a city where they have a branch.

In fact, why not have a six-month agreement? Then, you can decide whether you want to let it carry on, which you might not want to happen if you aren't happy with the tenants. If you do nothing at the end of the 6 months, the tenancy will continue, but you can bring it to an end after that on 2 months' notice, and the tenants can end it on one month's notice. If you want it to continue after 6 months, but at a higher rent (agreed with the tenant, or fixed by the local authority) then you will need a new agreement to record the revised rent.

Of course, it might be nice to think you have an agreement which will bring in rent for the full two years, but if the tenants decide they want to leave, they will probably just do a runner.

"Which?" magazine does a good little book about tenancies - the reference section of your local library may have it.

Answer 2

be very careful.

if you have a mortgage on the property you must use an 'assured shorthold tenency agreement.

I would use that anyway, just say it is renewable after 12 months.

If you dont you are in danger of giving long term tenancy rights which make it very difficult to get the tenant and their family out at the end of the term, and so could make the property un sellable, as potentially you would have to sell with a sitting tenant.

Answer 3

Most states have a maximum on length of residential lease of 1 year.

You are going to have to write a new lease every 12 months.