We’ve been renting a property for 4 years and have just renewed for our 5th. We’re looking to relocate in 18 months. Our tenancy is renewed annually for 12 months. Where do we stand in asking for the next renewal to be for 6 months instead of 12? If we renew for the full 12 months, and break the lease after 6 month, we’ll have to pay rent for the full 12 month period (obviously we can’t afford to pay rent on two properties simultaneously).
The law will almost certainly have changed by then making all existing and new tenancies periodic, which means you can just give 2 months notice at any point.
Before law change you can request to let you go periodic once the AST term ends, without renewing the contract. Current periodic law requires 1 months notice from tenant. (Or request just a 6 month term instead of 12)