October 9, 2017
We just want to take this opportunity to reconfirm to all of our tenants the terms of your contract, along with what was discussed at your lease signing around 'ish dates' and the formal process that must be adhered to when ending a tenancy. We know from experience there can be some confusion around this...hopefully the below information lays it out in a clear way, however, we are always here for you if you would like us to explain anything further.
What is an ‘ish’ date and why is it so important I understand what it
means?
The Notice to Quit must bring the tenancy to an end at its termination (or “ish”)
date...depending on when in the month you officially hand in your notice to quit,
this could have an impact, adding several weeks to your standard 2 month
notice period.
If your lease starts on the 5th of the month - your ‘ish’ date will usually be the
6th. (*unless you have signed a lease with a longer initial term).
A further example is below.
If I want to hand in my notice to quit my tenancy what do I need to be
aware of?
Below we highlight extracts from your lease, clause 2:
● At the start of any tenancy you will sign a contract for an initial period of
6 months (or longer)
● If the agreement is not brought to end by either yourself or the landlord,
your contract then revolves every month, essentially becoming a rolling
contract until terminated by prior written notice
● The earliest date you can give notice is at end of month 4 for a move out
on the ‘ish’ date.
● You are contractually obliged to give at least two months’ notice in writing
on or before the anniversary of the lease start date
● The notice should be given by letter by Recorded Delivery Post
Example:
If your lease date starts on the 5th of the month then your ish date is the 6th of
the month 2 month’s later. Keep the 5th and 6th in your heads...
If your lease date is the 5th of May 2017 for example, then your initial term of
lease would end on the 6th of November 2017. If you wanted to move out on the
6th November you would need to give us formal notice to quit by the 5th of
September.
If for example you want to give notice to quit/move out some time after the
initial 6 month term you would need to tell us by the 5th of any month that you
want to move out on the 6th 2 months later. So…if you tell us by the 5th of
January that you could leave on the 6th March 2018. BUT, if you told us on the
22nd of December 2017 you would in effect be giving us 10 weeks’ notice as you
wouldn’t contractually be released until the 6th March.
Please note this is not Chapmans being difficult - it is Scottish Tenancy Law!!
