very short term let?

Tenancy Types and Management

we rent out a house to students and they each have an individual tenancy contract. the term is 10 months, ending 1st week july
one of the students recently became ill and has had to go home and wont be returning. unusually we have had enquiries from students who are lookin for a place for 3 months from end of march, which is when our tenancy normally ends anyway. we realise the original student is liable but would like to find a replacement student if we can
however can we issue any sort of contract for only 3 months?

jean berry