A six-month tenancy agreement is a common short-term rental arrangement in the UK, offering flexibility for both tenants and landlords. But when the fixed term comes to an end, many people are unsure about their rights and next steps. Can the tenant stay? Does a new contract need to be signed? What if the landlord wants to end the tenancy?
In this guide, we’ll explain what happens when a six-month tenancy ends, the options available to both landlords and tenants, and what to do if no new agreement is signed.
What happens at the end of a fixed-term tenancy?
A fixed-term tenancy means the rental contract lasts for a set period - such as six months - after which one of the following things can happen:
1. The tenancy becomes a periodic tenancy
If no new contract is signed, the tenancy automatically rolls over into a statutory periodic tenancy. This means:
The tenancy continues on a monthly or weekly basis, depending on how the rent was originally paid.
The tenant does not need to sign a new agreement, but all the same terms still apply.
The landlord or tenant can end the tenancy by giving proper notice.
2. The landlord and tenant agree to a new fixed-term
If both parties are happy to continue the tenancy, they may renew the contract for another fixed term - this could be another six months, 12 months, or a different length of time. A new signed tenancy agreement is required to confirm this.
3. The tenant moves out
A tenant can leave at the end of a fixed-term tenancy without giving notice - but only if they move out on the last day of the contract. However, if they stay even one extra day, the tenancy automatically turns into a periodic tenancy, meaning they will need to give proper notice before leaving.
4. The landlord ends the tenancy
If the landlord does not want to renew the tenancy, they must legally serve notice to the tenant.
To end a tenancy without giving a reason, the landlord must serve a Section 21 notice, giving at least two months' notice.
If the tenant has broken the tenancy agreement (e.g. unpaid rent or damage), the landlord can serve a
Section 8 notice with a shorter notice period, depending on the reason.
Tenant's options when a six-month tenancy agreement ends
If your six-month tenancy agreement is coming to an end, you might be wondering what happens next. The good news is that you have options, and the right choice will depend on your circumstances and future plans. Here’s what you can do:
Renew your agreement (for security and stability)
If you’re happy in your home and want to stay, you can ask your landlord to renew your tenancy for another fixed term. This could be another six months, 12 months, or even longer, depending on what you both agree.
Why choose this option?
Your rent and terms stay fixed, meaning no unexpected changes.
You can’t be asked to leave unexpectedly (unless you breach the tenancy agreement).
You have the security of knowing your home is yours for the agreed term.
❌ Things to consider:
You can’t leave early without breaking the contract unless there’s a break clause.
Rent increases may apply if agreed with the landlord.
2. Stay on a periodic tenancy for more flexibility
If neither you nor your landlord signs a new agreement, your tenancy will automatically become a statutory periodic tenancy. This means it continues on a rolling basis - usually month-to-month or week-to-week, depending on how you pay rent.
Why choose this option?
More flexibility - you can leave at any time by giving the correct notice (usually one month).
No need to sign a new contract - your tenancy continues automatically.
❌ Things to consider:
The landlord can also end the tenancy with two months’ notice (by serving a Section 21 notice).
Rent increases may be easier for the landlord to introduce.
3. Move out at the end of the tenancy
If you don’t want to stay, you can leave on the last day of the fixed term without giving notice. However, if you stay even one extra day, the tenancy automatically rolls over into a periodic tenancy, meaning you’ll need to give proper notice before leaving.
Why choose this option?
You can move without needing to give notice, as long as you leave on the last day of your contract.
No legal obligation to stay beyond the fixed term.
❌ Things to consider:
If you don’t move out on time, your tenancy automatically continues, and you’ll need to serve notice before leaving.
If you need extra time, consider asking for a short extension rather than staying past your tenancy end date.
What happens if a tenant stays after the end of a fixed term?
If a tenant remains in the property after the fixed term ends without signing a new contract, the tenancy does not end. Instead, it usually becomes a statutory periodic tenancy, meaning:
The tenant must continue paying rent as before.
The same tenancy terms still apply, except the tenancy now continues over each rental period.
The tenant can leave at any time by giving proper notice (usually one month for a monthly tenancy).
The landlord can still serve a Section 21 notice if they want to take back the property, but they must give at least two months’ notice.
💡Editor's insight: "You should know you can’t evict a tenant without giving proper legal notice. If you do want to remove the tenant, the landlord must follow the correct procedures. If they still refuse to leave, you need to apply for a court order for eviction. If you fail to do so, you could delay the process of eviction and could face fines.”
Can your landlord ask you to leave before it ends?
In most cases, a landlord cannot ask a tenant to leave before the six-month tenancy ends. There has to be a serious breach of the tenancy agreement. A landlord can only end the tenancy early if:
There is a break clause in the contract which allows early termination.
The tenant has broken the agreement (e.g. not paying rent or causing damage). In this case, the landlord may serve a Section 8 notice to start eviction proceedings.
Without a break clause or legal grounds for eviction, the landlord must wait until the fixed term ends. They can then serve the appropriate notice before the tenant has to leave.
FAQ
What happens if my six-month tenancy ends but I want to stay?
If you don’t sign an agreement, your tenancy will roll over into a periodic tenancy. This means you can stay in the property and continue paying rent. But the landlord can give you two months’ notice to leave at any time.
Can I leave a six-month tenancy early?
Unless your tenancy agreement has a break clause, you need to legally pay rent for the full six months. But you can discuss options with your landlord, such as finding a replacement tenant.
Does my landlord have to give me a new tenancy agreement?
No, your landlord is not required to offer you a new fixed-term tenancy. If they choose not to, your tenancy will continue as a periodic tenancy.
Can my landlord increase my rent after six months?
If your tenancy becomes periodic, your landlord can increase rent, but they must follow proper procedures. They would need to serve a Section 13 notice. If you sign a new fixed-term contract, you will need to agree to the rent increase before.
Can my landlord evict me immediately after my tenancy ends?
No, even if your six-month tenancy ends, your landlord must serve notice if they want you to leave. For a Section 21 notice, they must give at least two months’ notice before starting the eviction.
Final thoughts
When a six-month tenancy ends, both tenants and landlords have several options. What happens next depends on what the tenant wants to do:
Want to stay? You can renew the contract for a new fixed term or let the tenancy roll into a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy.
Ready to move out? You can leave on the last day of the tenancy without giving notice - but if you stay even one day longer, your tenancy automatically continues, and you’ll need to give proper notice.
For landlords, ending a tenancy must be done legally and fairly. Tenants can’t be forced out without proper notice, and landlords need to follow the correct eviction process if they want the property back.
References
How to end a fixed term tenancy early by Shelter
Disclaimer: This article only provides general information and does not constitute professional advice. For any specific questions, consult a qualified legal professional.
