Do I need an AST for a 4 month let?
I am a landlord with several properties. One (property 2) is fully tenanted and running fine. The other (property 1) has a tenant that causes me headaches – nuisance to neighbours, noisy parties etc. I am preparing to give her notice. Section 21.
Then I will – with his agreement move tenant from house 1 to there, leaving a four bed house empty. I have come to an agreement with my accountant hat he will take over my third property for student lets as we are a college town. So…having property 2 empty earlier than expected can I put a tenant in for 4 month period – i.e. until it is needed for student lets?
Any support greatly appreciated
Pru
5 comments on this article
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Comments: 297 - Articles: 1
12:52 PM, 6th January 2015, About 12 years ago
If I understand correctly, you cannot use an AST for a shorter period than 6 months, but I stand to be corrected.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 163
1:41 PM, 6th January 2015, About 12 years ago
Just a couple of things to consider :-
will tenant in house 2 move out on schedule?
Will you need time to refurbish house 2 for new tenant and then time to refurbish house 1 to suit students?
You may end up with substantially less than 4 months lettable time and you may be able to let to students a little time ahead of term start.
Good luck
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 10
1:44 PM, 6th January 2015, About 12 years ago
My understanding is that you can let a property on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy for less than 6 months but cannot serve section 21 notice to expire before the initial 6 months which could cause a problem if the tenants do not move at the end of the fixed term.
Comments: 5
2:03 PM, 6th January 2015, About 12 years ago
Thanks
Hopefully (!) she will move during or at least at the end of her 2 month notice. That gives me about a month to move my other tenant and get the house ready for students. House 2 is ready for new tenant, just been refitted kitchen, bath and redec. throughout. The students are – apparently – all lined up and looking to move in August.
Presumably, the consensus is I can’t let for less than 6 months! Can I make an arrangement with new tenant for 4 months – guess if they decide they want to stay I am lumbered?!
Pru
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 10
2:30 PM, 6th January 2015, About 12 years ago
You can draw up a fixed term contract for 4 months and, asssuming it meets the other criteria (the main ones being it’s let as a hole as the tenant’s main home and not above £100,000 pa rent), it will be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
If they decide to stay you are lumbered, for the short term at least.