I actually received notice for possession now. It's not signed by the LL, only by someone from the agency. I really think they are playing games. So now, I'm going to write an amicable letter to Hong Kong, just to confirm what the LL really wants to do. /hates agencies.

It does make a difference. Where is the loss in security for the LL if they have a good tenant in the property paying rent, beyond the minimum term that they required to justify their costs (and mine) in agreeing the tenancy? They hoped for a good tenant in the property paying rent for at least 6 months, and that's what they got. Why risk having the property sit on the market with nobody paying rent? Why risk having a new tenant that is not amicable, or who fails to pay rent? And why pay administration fees to do that? It seems like jumping in the fire to avoid the heat. I don't see that changing a good tenant, for a wildcard is in anyway adding security for the LL. Anyway, it's all pretty much irrelevant as I have no indication of whether the LL wants to actually do this or not. The only motivation I see for it is for the agency to rebill for even more fees; nothing more. For all I know, they've told the LL that I've given notice to quit.

Then surely if the LL is unhappy with me not signing a new fixed term contract they should serve a notice; and then start viewings? Not the other way around... Which I said I would happily accept.

Hi all, this is quite similar to the thread 298034-Letter-to-Landlord-Periodic-Tenancy but differs in that the agency wants to commence viewings for other prospective tenants if I don't sign a new fixed term contract, rather than raise the rent. My Assured Shorthold Tenancy was signed on the 28th of November last year and will therefore automatically become a Periodic Tenancy on the 28th of May, as according to the law. The agency first called me to ask if I was staying and will sign a new contract on the 14th of March, which is a little early. My feelings about this is that they were asking me to essentially give 2.5 months notice if indeed I was planning to leave; which isn't right. Also, as agencies typically do; they want to charge a fee for the contract renewal (which is obviously their entire motivation). They called again today to say that the property will now be 'put back on the market' unless I commit to staying. Essentially I am undecided as to how long I will be staying and do not want to sign a new fixed term contract. I don't like being pressured into making decisions when I'm at liberty not to. It is my understanding that once the contract becomes Periodic then it is fairly easy for the landlord to give 2 month's notice; which I am perfectly fine with. I don't know what the LL's stance on this is. They live in Hong Kong and for all I know are quite happy to continue with a Periodic Tenancy. The agency represents them in absolutely everything; including repairs and inspections; so I'm guessing the LL would prefer them to take care of everything and they just pay and forget about it. If I were to write to the LL directly, it would be airmail around the world; I don't expect it to be a speedy process. My biggest objection at this point is having prospective tenants doing viewings of the property without me having received notice. I work from home, and if the worst came to the worst I would simply tell any viewer that as far as I'm concerned, the property is not available as advertised and they are therefore wasting their time. Isn't it a bit presumptuous to put it 'back on the market' without anyone stating that the contract is ending? My contract contains the following clause: (Emphasis mine) I have done some confirmation research and only ever find that a tenant must give reasonable access to perform maintenance; or to provide viewings for prospective purchasers; but not for prospective tenants. Considering that performing viewings is obviously an expression of intent, I would expect that they can only do such a thing if notice to quit had been served. Aside from all this, we have been good tenants; pay rent on time; with no other grievances. My questions are: Do we have the right to refuse entry for viewings for prospective tenants? How best should I refuse to sign a new fixed term contract without aggravating the LL or agency? Note: I would much rather communicate my denial of entry rather than physically obstruct it. As permission is required, is stating my objection enough? As a side note, I also noticed this in my contract: Isn't the statutory requirement 1 month for the tenant and 2 months for the landlord? Thanks in advance, Darren