What is a “periodic tenancy?
This is a tenancy that continues for successive periods of the same length for an indefinite amount of time. The most common is a month-to-month rental agreement. A periodic tenancy may be defined in terms of any period. The agreement period is defined by the interval between rental payments, unless the rental agreement specifies otherwise. For example, weekly, annually, BI-annually, etc. If the rental agreement specifies neither the tenancy period nor the rent intervals, the creation of a month-to-month rental period is presumed. Unlike a fixed-term tenancy, a periodic tenancy does not automatically terminate at a specific time. Termination of a periodic tenancy requires notice of the termination by either party.
When you start your tenancy it will normally be for a fixed term usually 6 or 12 months (an agreed fixed term) during which time both you and the landlord are contractually bound. Once the agreed fixed term of the tenancy has come to the end of its term, and you have not received notice to quit, the tenancy automatically becomes a periodic tenancy. This is based on the rent payment period, weekly, monthly, quarterly etc. The periodic tenancy will then continue from one rent period to another on exactly the same terms as the original agreement until either you or the landlord gives notice.
