Q. I have been approached by a family to rent one of my properties, who say they are only prepared to rent it if I can guarantee that they will be able to stay for four years, as they need security for their children’s schooling. I don’t have a problem with this, but I understand the Renters Rights Bill, when it is law, won’t allow me to give a fixed term?

A. That is correct. The Renters Rights Bill will abolish fixed terms and when it comes into force (believed to be later in 2025) all fixed term tenancies will convert to periodic tenancies.

The reason the government gives for this is that tenants should not be forced to remain in a property when they wish to leave because they have signed up for a fixed term. For example, if the tenants find that the property is substandard.

This is going to be the case for most properties, as most properties are assured or assured shorthold tenancies. It may be possible to give a fixed term for unregulated tenancies such as company lets and maybe residential licenses (but these last are tricky to set up and would not really be appropriate for renting a house to a family).

I think the best you can do is explain to the family that the law is due to be changed but that you are happy for them to remain for the full four years and have no intention of ending the tenancy early. As section 21 is being abolished, it would be difficult for you to do this anyway unless they were in arrears of rent or you wanted the property back to sell or for you or your family to live in.

Q. What will happen if we issue a tenancy agreement with a 12 months fixed term once the Renters Rights Bill comes into force?