Giving Notice
At a Glance
If you want to end your tenancy, you’ll usually need to give your landlord notice in writing. Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England are Assured Periodic Tenancies, meaning tenants can normally leave by giving two months’ notice.
However, if your tenancy agreement was signed before 1 May 2026, and it already allows you to give a shorter notice period, that shorter contractual notice period may still apply. It’s important to check your tenancy agreement before serving notice.
When Should I Give Notice?
You should only give notice once you’re confident you’re ready to leave the property.
Before serving notice, it’s sensible to:
- Confirm your moving date.
- Arrange your new accommodation.
- Check your tenancy agreement.
- Understand your notice period.
- Continue paying rent throughout your notice period.
Remember that once you’ve given valid notice, you can’t normally withdraw it unless your landlord agrees.
How Much Notice Do I Need to Give?
For most assured periodic tenancies in England, you must give at least two months’ notice if you want to end your tenancy.
Your notice must:
- be in writing (for example, by letter, email or text message);
- clearly state that you are ending the tenancy;
- end on the day your rent is due or the day before your rent is due; and
- give at least two months’ notice, unless you and your landlord have agreed a shorter notice period in writing.
You must continue paying rent until your tenancy legally ends.
If your tenancy agreement requires more than two months’ notice, you can ignore that requirement. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, a landlord cannot require you to give more than two months’ notice, although a shorter agreed notice period may still be valid.
Existing Tenancy Agreements Signed Before 1 May 2026
Most assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026.
If you already had a written tenancy agreement, you generally did not need to sign a new agreement. Instead, your tenancy continued under the new legal framework.
However, some contractual terms that were agreed before 1 May 2026 may still affect how your tenancy operates. In particular, if your tenancy agreement allows you to give less than two months’ notice, that shorter notice period may continue to apply because the Renters’ Rights Act allows landlords and tenants to agree a shorter notice period in writing.
If you’re relying on a tenancy agreement that began before 1 May 2026, it’s worth checking the wording carefully before serving notice or seeking advice if you’re unsure.
How to Give Notice Correctly
- Be in writing.
- Include your full name.
- Include the property address.
- State the date you're giving notice.
- Clearly state the date you intend to leave.
- Be sent to your landlord or letting agent using the contact details they've provided.
- Keep evidence that your notice was delivered.
If sending notice by email, ask for confirmation that it has been received.
Keep copies of everything.
Can I Leave Earlier?
Sometimes.
You may be able to leave before your notice period ends if:
- your landlord agrees
- you both sign a mutual surrender agreement
- another arrangement is reached in writing
Never assume you can leave simply because you’ve moved out. Unless an agreement has been reached, your tenancy (and rent liability) may continue until your notice expires.
What Happens After I Give Notice?
Once you’ve served notice, it’s time to prepare for moving out.
During your notice period you should:
- Arrange your moving date.
- Begin packing.
- Clean the property.
- Take final meter readings.
- Arrange your check-out inspection.
- Return all keys.
- Leave a forwarding address.
Following these steps can help avoid delays in returning your tenancy deposit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving verbal notice only.
- Assuming moving out automatically ends your tenancy.
- Forgetting to keep copies of your notice.
- Stopping rent payments before your tenancy ends.
- Assuming your notice period is always two months without checking your tenancy agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my mind after giving notice?
Usually not.
Once you’ve given valid notice, it can’t normally be withdrawn unless your landlord agrees.
Can my landlord refuse my notice?
If you’ve given valid notice that complies with the legal requirements, your landlord cannot usually refuse it simply because they don’t want you to leave.
What if my landlord says I must give more notice?
Check your tenancy agreement first.
If your tenancy started after 1 May 2026, the standard notice period will normally apply unless you’ve both agreed a shorter period in writing. If your tenancy began before that date and your agreement already contains a shorter contractual notice period, you may be able to rely on that clause.
Do I still pay rent during my notice period?
Yes.
Your rent remains payable until your tenancy legally ends, even if you’ve already moved out.
Can I give notice by email?
Usually yes, provided your tenancy agreement doesn’t require a different method. Keep evidence that it was sent and, if possible, that it was received.
Key Takeaways
- Most tenants now end their tenancy by giving two months' written notice.
- Existing tenancy agreements signed before 1 May 2026 may still contain shorter contractual notice periods that continue to apply.
- Always check your tenancy agreement before serving notice.
- Give your notice in writing and keep a copy.
- Continue paying rent until your tenancy officially ends.
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