In a periodic tenancy, how is the length of tenancy typically determined?

In a periodic tenancy, the length of the tenancy is typically determined by the frequency of rent payments, which dictates the duration of the tenancy. For instance, if rent is paid monthly, then the tenancy is considered a month-to-month tenancy; if it is paid weekly, it is a week-to-week tenancy. This natural correlation between the payment schedule and the tenancy duration is central to its operation.

Unlike a fixed-term lease, which has a predetermined end date set by a written agreement, a periodic tenancy automatically renews at the end of each rental period unless either party provides notice to terminate. The rent payment schedule effectively outlines both the start and the length of the tenancy, as it indicates how long the tenant has the right to occupy the property until the next rent payment is due.

Options that focus solely on written agreements, mutual agreements, or strict legal frameworks do not capture the dynamic nature of a periodic tenancy, where the payment frequency plays a crucial role in determining the tenancy's length. This makes the correlation between rent payments and tenancy duration the defining characteristic of periodic tenancies.