When letting out your property, a tenant is automatically given an assured shorthold tenancy (unless you agree otherwise). This gives both parties certain rights – your rights as a landlord include:
- You can charge rent at market rate
- After 6 months you can terminate the tenancy for no given reason
- You can terminate the tenancy if your tenants owe you 2 months or 8 weeks rent
- You can terminate the tenancy if your tenants are causing a nuisance to their neighbours
How do I terminate the tenancy?
After 6 months you can terminate the tenancy as long as you haven't agreed to let the property for a longer period. You just need to provide a notice to quit – this document states that the tenants must vacate the property by a certain date. You should give the tenants at least 2 month's notice that you want to terminate the tenancy.
What happens if the tenants refuse to leave?
Most people don't and it's very rare to have problems where the tenant refuses to leave your property. Although you can't take the law into your own hands you do have legal recourse – apply to your local county court who will arrange for the eviction of your tenants. If the fixed term of the tenancy has ended you can apply for an 'accelerated possession procedure' – for more information on this see:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/housing/landlords/accelerated/index.htm
