I am in a similar situation to OP: started a 6 months contract (assured shorthold tenancy) from Jan 25th and was contacted by Countrywide start a new one; I agreed over the phone and paid the 125GBP admin fee. I then received a copy of the contract on Friday via mail with instructions to sign and return. Now, given today is July 28th - which mean my original 6 months tenancy term has expired, that I am still living in the property, have paid my rent regularly and have received no notice to end tenancy, am I right in assuming that legally my tenancy is a recurring one? If so, can I just trash the contract I received (pity about the admin fee) and go on on a recurring basis? I really would rather have the flexibility to move if need be without being penalized.