Tenant's notice to leave
How a tenant ends a private tenancy in England: at least two months' notice in writing, ending at the end of a rent period, unless the landlord agrees to less.
In short: Since 1 May 2026 a private tenant in England can end their tenancy at any time with at least two months' written notice, ending on the last day of a rent period. There is no minimum stay. The landlord can agree to a shorter notice in writing.
Ending a tenancy and possession適用於租客
英格蘭。 已於 5 October 2026 對照法律查核. 僅供參考，並非法律建議。
With fixed terms gone, a tenant no longer has to wait for a term to end. The rules, in the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025:
- At least two months' notice, in writing (a letter or email counts where the tenancy allows it).
- It ends at the end of a rent period, that is on the day before a rent day.
- The landlord and tenant can agree a shorter notice, or a surrender, in writing.
- Rent is due until the tenancy ends.
Where there are joint tenants, it is worth taking advice before one of them gives notice alone, because of how notice can affect the others.
The landlord cannot require notice longer than the law allows or charge a fee for leaving early.
Read more: Notices, eviction and your rights since section 21 ended
Related: Periodic tenancy, Joint and several liability
資料來源
常見問題
Do I have to give a reason for leaving?
No. A tenant does not need a reason, only the right amount of notice in writing.
Guides on this
Guide
What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act came into force in England on 1 May 2026. Section 21 is gone, every tenancy is now periodic, and rent rises follow one procedure. Here is what a self-managing landlord actually has to do differently.
Guide
What to do when a tenant stops paying rent
Rent arrears in England: check the facts, talk early, agree a plan in writing and keep records. If it cannot be solved, possession is by section 8 notice and a court order only. Never change the locks.
Guide
Getting your property back after section 21
Without section 21, possession in England depends on the grounds in Schedule 2. The main ones a self-managing landlord uses, the notice periods, and why LevelMoves hands this to a human.
Guide
How to protect a tenancy deposit, and what happens if you are late
Put the deposit in one of the three government schemes within 30 days and give the prescribed information. If late, the tenant can claim one to three times the deposit and most possession grounds close.
Related terms
Glossary
Harassment of a tenant
Acts by a landlord or anyone for them that are likely to interfere with a tenant's peace or comfort, meant to make them leave or stop using their rights. A criminal offence.
Glossary
Illegal eviction
Making a tenant leave, or keeping them out, without a court order and bailiffs: changing locks, removing belongings or cutting off services. A criminal offence.
Glossary
Form 3A
The prescribed government form for a section 8 notice seeking possession of a private assured tenancy in England, used since 1 May 2026.
Glossary
Grounds for possession (ground 1, 1A and 8)
The reasons in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 on which a landlord can seek possession. Some are mandatory, some discretionary; the main ones are moving in, selling and arrears.
Glossary
Possession order
A county court order that the tenant must give the home back by a date. Only a possession order, enforced by bailiffs if needed, lawfully ends a tenant's right to stay.
Glossary
Rent repayment order (RRO)
An order of the First-tier Tribunal that a landlord repay rent to a tenant, or benefits to the council, because the landlord committed certain housing offences.