UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have just bought a buy to let with a sitting tenant. They had a 6 month AST and the a statutory periodic for last 20 months. Obviously there is no contract between them and me so I was planning to issue a new AST for 6 months. Any advice from some old hands?

You've merely stepped into the old landlords shoes, I can't see why issuing a 6 month tenancy will benefit.  It will tie you into a renter whom you don't know.  Personally I'd leave it as having the flexibility of a periodic tenancy.  Gives me, as a landlord more flexibility.

Agreed, sleeping dogs lie.

Do however go and introduce yourself, and let them know your plans. They will be worried, and can often give notice as they were "worried" you would want to go in and do works, and kick them out.

Remember that the Tenant is under no obligation whatsoever to sign any new agreement you put in front of them. You can ask, of course, and they might well agree... but they do not have to.