If your tenant wants to leave 

This guide explains the process on how a landlord can end a tenancy if their tenant wants to leave.

The Renters’ Rights Act will change laws about renting and this guidance has been published to help private rented sector landlords and letting agents prepare. The new rules will apply on or after 1 May 2026. For information on the current law, refer to the existing guidance on when your tenant wants to leave.

In future, the tenancy agreement should say how much notice your tenants need to give before they can leave the property. 

You will not be able ask your tenant to give more than two months’ notice. 

If the tenancy agreement does not say how much notice your tenant must give, they will need to give at least 2 months’ notice. 

You will be able to agree with your tenant to end the tenancy earlier or have a shorter notice period. This will need to be in writing.  Your tenant will need to give their notice:  

  • so the tenancy ends on a day when the rent is due or the day before the rent is due 

  • in writing, for example, by letter, email or text 

You will not be able to tell your tenant how they should give their notice. 

Your tenant will need to pay rent during the notice period before the tenancy ends. 

If your tenant has already given notice, they may change their mind and want to stay in the property. They will only be able to stay if you agree to this in writing. If you do not agree, the tenancy will end as planned. 

If more than one tenant is on the same assured tenancy agreement 

This is known as a joint tenancy agreement.  

If a joint tenant wants to leave 

One tenant will be able to end the joint tenancy without the agreement of the other tenants.  

If a joint tenant asks to give a shorter notice period, all the other joint tenants will need to agree to the shorter notice period.  

If a joint tenant changes their mind and would like to stay, all the other joint tenants will also need to agree. If they do not agree, then the tenancy will need to end.  

If some of the existing tenants want to stay, you will be able to create and sign a new tenancy agreement. 

You will also be able to add new tenants to an existing tenancy agreement.

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