What happens at the end of a fixed term tenancy?
Fixed term tenancy rules vary across the UK. In England and Scotland most tenancies are now periodic rather than fixed term. If you are in a fixed-term tenancy in Wales or Northern Ireland and reaching the end of your agreement, you might wonder what actually happens at the end. If you rent in either of these countried, there are many options open to you, including renewing your tenancy agreement. Read on to learn more!
End of tenancy agreement
As you approach the end of your fixed term tenancy agreement – it’s decision time. As long as your landlord hasn’t served you notice to leave the property, there are three potential options open to you. This mainly applies if you rent in Wales, Northern Ireland, or in limited cases where you still have a fixed term agreement.
1. Move on
If you’ve decided it’s time to move on when your tenancy ends, you will need to serve your landlord notice in line with what’s stipulated in your tenancy agreement or occupation contract.
If you have a two-month notice clause in your lease, there’s nothing to stop you serving notice with three months left, if you already know you want to leave. The common mistake is to leave it too late! Even if you think you wish to leave, make a diary note for one week before the required threshold to prompt you to serve notice.
The lease will usually stipulate how notice should be served. However, always put your notice in writing so there’s no room for misunderstanding. If you send it by post, allow two additional days on top of the required notice period.
2. Continue living in the property
If your rental agreement expires and you remain living in the property, without a new agreement being put in place, the tenancy agreement may automatically continue on what is termed a ‘periodic tenancy’ or periodic standard occupation contract, depending on where you rent.
A periodic tenancy is linked to how often you pay your rent, so if you pay monthly, your tenancy agreement rolls over monthly. You continue to live in the property under the same terms and conditions as you did previously.
In Wales, a fixed term standard occupation contract will usually become a periodic standard occupation contract at the end of the fixed term if you stay. In Northern Ireland, what happens will depend on your agreement and the type of tenancy.
If you move onto this tenancy agreement, the lettings agency cannot charge you for drawing up a new tenancy agreement, as technically you’re still on the old agreement. If they do, complain about it.
Ending a periodic tenancy is much easier. However, be aware that the inverse also applies. Although, the landlord still must serve at least two months’ notice to the end of a rental period.
3. Renew your fixed term tenancy
If you wish to stay on and the landlord wants to review the tenancy agreement, some renegotiation can be possible. Be prepared that the landlord may look to increase the rent.
You don’t have to agree to any change of terms, so don’t sign the agreement until you’re completely happy with all amendments to the tenancy agreement or occupation contract.
The chief benefit of a new tenancy agreement is that you will enjoy security of tenure for the new fixed term.
Cost of tenancy renewal
When the agreement is renewed, the lettings agency will usually charge you a ‘renewal fee’. It should be published by the letting agency and is usually non-negotiable.
However, it never hurts to have a little go at negotiating. After all, you renewing your contract means less work for the agent and saves the landlord finding a new tenant. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!
The benefits of tenancy renewal
The chief benefit of a new tenancy agreement is that you will enjoy security of tenure for the new fixed term.
Also, you don’t have to cover costly moving expenses at the end of tenancy.
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Last Updated: July 6th, 2026
