Tenant's notice to leave: two months, in writing
A tenant in England can end an assured periodic tenancy with two months' notice in writing. A short notice to fill in, how to choose the end date, and a record of how and when you delivered it.
England. Checked against the law on 27 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.
When to use this
Use it when you have decided to move out of a home you rent in England. Every private tenancy is now an assured periodic tenancy, with no fixed term, and the tenant can end it with two months' notice in writing. You do not have to give a reason.
Before you send it
- Choose the end date. Count at least two full months from the day the landlord will receive the notice, and pick a date that falls at the end of a rent period. If rent is due on the 1st of each month, a rent period ends on the last day of the month.
- Joint tenants: talk to each other first. Notice from one joint tenant can affect everyone named on the tenancy. Get free advice if you do not all agree.
- Send it in writing to the address the landlord gave for letters, and in the way your agreement allows. Email as well if you usually write by email.
- Keep proof: a copy of the notice, and a certificate of posting, a dated email or a photo of hand delivery.
- Rent is due until the end date, even if you move out sooner.
The template
Notice to end the tenancy
[Tenant's name, and the names of any joint tenants]
[Address of the rented home]
[Date]
To: [landlord's name]
At: [landlord's address for letters]
Dear [landlord's name],
I am giving you notice that I will end my tenancy of the address above.
The tenancy will end on [end date], which is at least two months after this notice and is the last day of a rent period.
I will move out and return all keys on or before that date.
Please tell me how you would like to arrange the check-out inspection.
My address for letters after I move is: [forwarding address]
Please return my deposit of [amount], held by [scheme name, if known], to: [how you would like to be paid].
Yours sincerely,
[Tenant's name and signature]
Delivery record (keep this, do not send it)
Notice dated: [date]
Sent on: [date]
How: [by hand / first class post / email to: address]
Received by the landlord on: [date, or the expected date for post]
Proof kept: [certificate of posting / dated email / photo]
Landlord confirmed the end date on: [date]
What happens next
The tenancy ends on the date in your notice. Before you go, take dated photos of every room, read the meters and return every key. Then ask for your deposit back: the deposit return template has the letter. If the landlord disputes your notice or the end date, get free advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before you move.
Information about the law in England, not legal advice. Checked on the date shown.
Where this comes from
Questions about this template
How much notice does a tenant give in England?
Two months, in writing. There is no fixed term and no minimum stay, and you do not have to give a reason.
Can I give notice by email?
Check what your agreement says about how notices are given. If you email, also send it in a way the agreement allows, and keep proof of the date.
Do I have to pay rent during the notice period?
Yes. Rent is due until the tenancy ends, even if you move out before the end date.
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