Thinking About Month-to-Month Tenancies? Here Are the Pros and Cons

Month-to-month tenancies may sound appealing to landlords looking for flexibility, especially in rural and suburban areas around Cambridge. But are they the right fit for your property and income strategy?

What Are Month-to-Month Tenancies?

A month-to-month tenancy, also called a periodic tenancy, continues indefinitely until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice — usually one month. Unlike fixed-term leases, they don’t lock you in for long periods. In the UK, these tenancies are often governed by rolling contracts and must comply with Section 21 or Section 8 procedures when ending them.

Pros for Landlords

Flexibility is the biggest draw. You can adjust your plans with shorter notice, ideal if you're considering selling, renovating, or shifting to a short-term let model. You might also be able to command higher rates for short-term availability, particularly in high-demand times.

Cons to Watch Out For

On the flip side, unpredictability can hurt your bottom line. Frequent turnover means more void periods, increased wear and tear, and higher operational costs for cleaning and onboarding new tenants. Plus, it becomes harder to forecast income — which can affect mortgage planning and investment strategies.

When Month-to-Month Works Best

These flexible tenancies are most useful during transitional periods: between academic terms, while waiting on planning approvals, or in the off-season when short-term lets slow down. They also suit landlords experimenting with their letting strategy before committing to long-term or short let models.

Cambridge Stays’ Take: Strategic Use of Flexibility

At Cambridge Stays, we’ve worked with landlords across the region offering houses to let in Cambridgeshire. We find that month-to-month agreements can work — if used tactically. They’re not a long-term replacement for structured leasing, but they can help bridge gaps when managed with a clear strategy and proactive tenant communication.

Unsure Whether to Go Short or Secure? Let Us Help Tailor the Right Letting Approach

Every property has a different rhythm. Whether you're considering short-term lets or re-evaluating long-term leases, Cambridge Stays can help you find the right balance between flexibility and financial stability.