Fixed term and periodic tenancy

What is the difference between a fixed term and a periodic tenancy?

Most tenancies are initially agreed for a set period, such as 1 year. This is known as a fixed term.

Many fixed term tenancies continue beyond the term originally agreed and then become periodic tenancies.

However, if the landlord does wish you to leave then he or she must serve a Notice Requiring Possession or Notice of Seeking Possesion. Once the Notice has expired, the landlord must then obtain an Order for Possession from the County Court [see Ending an AST/ Ending an Assured Tenancy].

If a fixed term is not agreed and you simply agree to rent a property and pay the rent of, say, £800 per month, then this is known as a periodic tenancy.

When the landlord wishes you to leave, he or she must serve a Notice Requiring Possession and once that has expired obtain an Order for Possession from the County Court [Ending an AST/ Ending an Assured Tenancy].