Tenant Guide

Fixed Term

A fixed-term tenancy lasts for a set amount of time as agreed to in the tenancy agreement, typically 12 months. Once a fixed-term ends, the tenancy will automatically become periodic unless the landlord or tenant give the proper notice, come to an agreement, or the tenant exercises their right to renew if applicable.

Ending a fixed-term tenancy

A fixed-term tenancy can only be ended early if an agreement is reached between both tenant and landlord — you can’t give notice to end it early.

As a tenant, if a Hammond & Co landlord agrees to early termination of your tenancy agreement, the tenants will be required to pay reasonable costs associated with finding a new tenant and rent on the property until it is re-tenanted.

If you need to terminate your tenancy earlier than your agreement period, please contact your assigned property manager as soon as possible to discuss how to best manage this.

Periodic

A periodic tenancy agreement has no end date and continues until either the tenant or landlord gives written notice to end it.

Ending a periodic tenancy

If you wish to vacate your rental property, you must give at least 28 days’ written notice to end the tenancy (unless the landlord agrees to a shorter time frame).

Landlord ends tenancy

If a landlord gives you notice to end the tenancy, and you decide you would like to move out sooner, you must still give the landlord 28 days’ written notice.

In general, landlords are required to give a minimum of 90 days’ written notice to end a tenancy; however, there are situations where 63 days’ notice can be given, which are listed below:

• The property has been sold, and the new buyer wants a ‘vacant property’
• The owner or a member of the owner’s family is going to live in the property
• The property is normally used as employee accommodation and is needed again for that purpose