Tenant Lab UK

Thinking of moving out? Whether you’re relocating, buying a home, or just ready for a change, it’s important to end your tenancy properly. This guide explains your rights and responsibilities, so you avoid unnecessary costs or legal issues.

What Is a Fixed-Term Tenancy?

Most tenants start with a fixed-term tenancy, usually 12 months long.

During this time:

• You can’t just leave early, unless the contract has a break clause.
• If you leave early without permission, the landlord can claim unpaid rent for the rest of the term.

Check your tenancy agreement for:

• The start and end date.
• Any break clause, which allows you to end the contract early (usually with 1-2 months’ notice).

What Is a Periodic Tenancy?

When your fixed-term ends and you don’t sign a new contract, your tenancy automatically becomes periodic:

• Monthly tenancy: if you pay rent monthly.
• Weekly tenancy: if you pay weekly.

You still have legal rights, but the notice period is different.

How Much Notice Do I Need to Give?

✅ Fixed-term tenancy (no break clause):
You usually can’t leave early unless you:

• Have landlord’s agreement (get this in writing!)
• Find a replacement tenant (if allowed)
• Negotiate a surrender

✅ Fixed-term with break clause:
Check the clause. Typically, you’ll need to give 1 or 2 months’ notice, in writing.

✅ Periodic tenancy:

• Monthly rent = at least 1 month’s notice.
• Weekly rent = at least 4 weeks’ notice.

🗓 Your notice must end on the right day:

For monthly rent, this is usually the day before your next rent is due.

How Do I Give Notice to My Landlord?

To end your tenancy legally, you must Give written notice — email or post is fine. If you are registered we can issue the notice for you.

1. Include:
   • Your name
   • Property address
   • The date you plan to move out (usually day before next months rent is due)
2. Keep a record:
   • If posting, send recorded delivery.
   • If emailing, request confirmation.

What If I Leave Before the Notice Period Ends?

Leaving early without agreement is called abandoning the tenancy. This can lead to:

• Owing rent until your notice expires.
• Losing your deposit.
• Legal action if the landlord claims financial loss.

Always talk to your landlord first. Some may agree to a mutual end — called a surrender — especially if they can re-let the property quickly.

Final Steps Before You Leave

• Take final meter readings
• Return all keys
• Leave the home clean and undamaged
• Take photos of the property’s condition

This helps protect your deposit return. These actions can all be recorded with us for members.