Periodic tenancy

A periodic tenancy can start if a landlord and a tenant agree to it in the tenancy agreement.

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

If a fixed-term tenancy is coming to an end and neither party gives the correct notice, the fixed-term tenancy automatically becomes a period tenancy. 

Giving notice to end a tenancy

Fixed-term tenancy

A fixed-term tenancy agreement lasts for a set amount of time that is more than 90 days – for example, 1 year. There is no maximum length for a fixed-term tenancy. You must include the length on the tenancy agreement and the date the fixed-term ends.

You can only give notice to end a fixed-term tenancy early if the landlord and tenant both agree.

Once the fixed-term ends, the fixed-term tenancy automatically becomes a periodic tenancy unless:

• During the period that starts on the 90th day before expiry and ends on the 21st day before expiry (the effective period), either party gives the other written notice that they do not intend for the tenancy to continue, or
• The tenant exercises a right of renewal (if applicable), or
• Both tenant and landlord agree on an alternative arrangement.

Find out more about expiry of a fixed-term tenancy

You should make sure a fixed-term tenancy is right for you before you sign the agreement. There are also other types of tenancies.

Types of tenancies

Ending a fixed-term tenancy early

Short fixed-term tenancy

A fixed-term tenancy of 90 days or less is a short fixed-term tenancy. If a short fixed-term tenancy comes to an end, it doesn’t automatically become a periodic tenancy.

Written notice is not required by either party as the tenancy will end on the agreed expiry date and the tenant must move out.

Find out more about short fixed-term tenancies