Spring is one of the busiest periods in the rental market, and Easter tends to prompt a flurry of activity. Tenancies that began in autumn or early spring frequently reach their initial fixed term around this time, and landlords and tenants alike find themselves making decisions about what comes next.
If you are in that position right now, here is a clear-eyed look at what to consider before you commit either way.
Understanding where you stand
Before anything else, check your tenancy agreement and establish exactly when your fixed term ends. If it has already ended and neither party has served notice nor signed a new agreement, your tenancy will typically have rolled into a periodic tenancy, most commonly a month-by-month or week-by-week arrangement depending on how your rent is paid. This is more common than many tenants realise, and it affects both the notice you would need to give and the notice your landlord is required to provide.
If you are still within a fixed term, you are generally bound by its terms until it expires unless your agreement contains a break clause or you and your landlord agree to end it early. Understanding which situation applies to you is the essential starting point for any decision that follows.
If you are considering a renewal
A renewal offer from your landlord is worth evaluating carefully rather than accepting or declining immediately. Start by assessing whether the proposed rent reflects the current local market.
Rental prices have risen across many UK regions over the past two years, and while landlords are entitled to review the rent at renewal, a significant increase is worth questioning if comparable properties in your area are letting at a similar or lower level.
Research what equivalent homes are currently available for before entering any negotiation.
Consider also what you value about your current home and how it fits your life over the next twelve months.
Stability has a real value, particularly in a competitive rental market where finding and securing a new property involves time, cost, and uncertainty.
Renewal avoids a deposit transition, moving costs, and the disruption of settling into a new area.
Weigh these factors honestly against any reservations you have about the property or the proposed new terms.
If you are happy to renew in principle but have concerns about the rent or specific terms, raise them directly and in writing. Many landlords would rather agree a reasonable figure with a reliable tenant than face a void period and the cost of finding someone new.
A measured, respectful conversation about the terms is entirely appropriate and often more productive than tenants expect.
If you are considering a move
Deciding to move on is a perfectly legitimate choice, but the process needs to be managed carefully to protect your deposit and avoid unnecessary cost. Check your tenancy agreement for the notice period required and ensure any notice you give is in writing, clearly dated, and references the property address and the date on which you intend to vacate. Verbal notice is not sufficient and can lead to disputes later.
Give yourself realistic time to find a new property. The spring market is competitive, and while more properties come to market at this time of year, so do more tenants. Having a clear picture of your budget, including any upfront costs such as a new deposit and first month's rent, before you begin your search will help you move quickly when the right property becomes available.
Before you leave, document the condition of the property thoroughly with timestamped photographs and compare these carefully against the inventory you signed at the start of the tenancy. Deposit disputes most commonly arise from disagreements about condition, and good documentation is your clearest protection.
The broader context
The Renters' Rights Act, is introducing significant changes to tenancy structures, including the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. For now, existing agreements remain governed by current legislation, but tenants renewing or signing new agreements should be aware that the landscape is shifting. It is worth staying informed as implementation progresses.
Whatever you decide this Easter, the most important thing is to make the decision deliberately and with a full understanding of your rights and obligations.
Our lettings team is here to help with any questions about your tenancy