UK Landlord Forum / Life

My tenants have been living in my house for four years and last October decided to extend their contract by 6 months which is up the end of April.  I have now decided that I will need to move back to my house and since there is no notice time specified in our contract, I am wondering how much notice I should legally give them. I would not expect them to leave before the contract ends unless they request to do so.

Background history: The tenants were interested in buying the property 2 years ago but they took a knock with their business in the pandemic and fell short of their monthly rent (with my agreement) and they currently owe more than £3000. With some polite but firm pushing they have said they will pay this sum back before the end of January. I don't know what their expectations are re buying the property now since the subject has not been raised in 18 months but my needs have changed so I want to reoccupy the house. Obviously I am loathe to give them written notice that I will not be extending their 6 month contract (if that is what they want) until I have my arrears paid back in full.

I want to give them as much notice as possible but I also want to know what is my legal obligation. Any advice would be welcome thank you.

If they have paid up in full by the end of January,you may wish to speak to them informally about your intentions.You cannot  actually serve formal notice  before the end of Feb. If they are still there for whatever reason by end April,just let it go onto a periodic tenancy.This gives you and the tenant more flexibility. You would still need to give 2 months notice,and they give you 1 month.

Thank you for the reply. I will talk to them first. 

I would consider waiting until "before the end of January" to see if the arrears are paid off.

Making them aware they won't be living there that much longer, now, could easily change their views as to where their focus lies. It doesn't change their obligations, but could change their priorities.