6 month break clause in contract renewal annually required?

[SBR1979]

I have been living in the current property for the last 4 years. Each year the landlord requests that I sign a new lease which every year has a 6 month break clause and a 2 month notice period so effectively locking you in to 8 out of the 12 months of the year. This had previously been OK as we had no intention to leave. However, we would like to buy a house and therefore do not want to be committed to 8months if we find a house in the meantime. Can we request for the current contract which now has a two month notice period to be rolling? What are our rights when we have to come to renewal can we refuse the new contract and request that our current is rolling.

 

Otherwise how do people ever get out of renting - if they only have a window of 4months to do so a year?

[Conniff]

You seem to be on good terms with your landlord and he obviously likes having you as a tennant, so why not talk to him and tell him that you are now in a position to buy your own house so would like to end the restriction and have an open contract where either of you can give the other 2 months notice.

He can't force you to sign a contract that binds you in, but that is his terms as he obviously like the security, so just have a chat and see what comes up.

[mariner51]

OP has signed a 12 month fixed tem contract, with 6 month break clause each time. Depending on the precise wording of the break clause, this is not much diff to min 6 month AST. OP can give due Notice to activate break clause without having to give NTQ IMO, thus AST would become rolling SPT at 6 month point. Ts often like the security afforded by 12 month fixed term and LL has offered break clause mech for early release after 6 months. With a bit of forward planning and careful reading of the break clause, there shouldn't be a problem.

[raydetinu]

but you have o give notice prior to the six month point, you cannot do it after that time, you are locked in to the twelve months then.

If you dont want to be locked into a 12 month contract dont sign one? just do six month which becomes rolling.