Updating post from Reddit.
Hi all,
I’ve been living in a shared flat in England for several years under a licence agreement (not a tenancy). It’s a shared house — I rent a single room, and we share the kitchen and bathroom. The landlord does not live with us. I pay rent monthly in advance, and I’ve also paid a deposit of around 5–6 weeks’ rent, which is updated every year.
The agreement clearly states it’s a licence (not a tenancy), with no exclusive possession — the landlord retains access rights and can move me to another room with notice.
A few weeks ago, my landlord offered to renew for 12 months, but I already know I won’t be able to stay that long. I replied with some alternative suggestions (rolling monthly or shorter fixed term), and I also said I would respect it if they wanted me to leave at the end. But since then, I’ve followed up multiple times with no response at all. My current licence ends in just a few weeks, and I’m now unsure what to do.
My questions:
Any advice or similar experience would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!
Does the landlord live with you?
No he does not
In England? Exclusive use of your room? I think you might have a tenancy regardless of what you've signed.
Yes, In England
Very unlikely to be a licence, your almost certainly under a tenancy with all the associated rights. How many people occupy btw? Is the property licensed as an HMO?
There are 3 bedrooms in total, and currently 3 of us live in the flat. The landlord does not live with us. I’m not sure if the property is licensed as an HMO — I tried checking my local council’s register but couldn’t find anything listed, so I might have been looking in the wrong place. If anyone knows how to properly check HMO status, I'd appreciate any pointers.
Wouldn't be licensable unless additional or selective licensing are in place covering three person hmos.
Doesn't change the fact you're probably on a tenancy and it will become a rolling tenancy after the contract period expires. The landlord might issue a section 21 if they want to evict you After the period expires, but it would need to give two months notice
Your LL is trying to pull a fast one here.
If you’ve lived there for 4 years, it’s legally a tenancy and not a ‘license’
Speak to Shelter.
Chances are that legally you’re under a tenancy.
If you don’t move out it converts to a rolling monthly contract.
> If you’ve lived there for 4 years, it’s legally a tenancy
What law is this that specifies a 4 year limit to a licence? I've not heard of it. My belief is they're a tenant in an almost certainly illegal HMO even if they've not lived there for a year yet let alone four?
Thanks, tomorrow I will call Shelter
Thanks, tomorrow I will call Shelter