This page is for tenants who are not related to each other. For example, students or flatmates.

We have other advice for joint tenants splitting up with a partner.

Check if your tenancy is fixed term or periodic

Most assured shorthold tenancies (AST) start with a fixed term. For example, 6 months.

You might have a periodic AST if either:

• your fixed term has ended and you have not signed a new agreement

• you had a rolling tenancy from the start

You can end a periodic tenancy by giving notice.

Moving out during the fixed term

You can only end a fixed term tenancy early if:

• the landlord agrees

• all the other tenants agree

Speak to other joint tenants first.

Do not just leave. You might still have to pay rent if you do not end your tenancy properly.

More on how to end a fixed term tenancy early.

Find a replacement tenant

See if you can find a new tenant to replace you.

This is a good option if you want to leave early but other tenants want to stay.

Your landlord and all joint tenants need to agree to the new tenant.

Make sure everyone signs a new agreement with the landlord without your name on it.

The new tenant should pay their share of the tenancy deposit to the landlord, not to you.

If you all leave when the fixed term ends

The tenancy usually ends for everyone if you all leave by the last day of the fixed term.

Some contracts say you must give your landlord notice. Check your agreement a few months before you plan to leave.

If anyone stays on when a fixed term ends

Your joint tenancy keeps going as a rolling or periodic tenancy if anyone stays either:

• after a fixed term tenancy ends

• after the Renters' Rights Act changes start

This means that everyone is still responsible for rent, even people who have left.

There are 2 ways that you can end your responsibility for rent if you move out.

Option 1 - the people who stay sign a new agreement

A replacement tenancy is often the best option for everyone.

Make sure your name is not on the new agreement.

Option 2 - you give notice to end the joint tenancy

Give a 'notice to quit' to your landlord.

This ends your joint periodic tenancy and responsibility for rent.

You do not need permission from the other tenants or the landlord to do this.

But you should to tell the other joint tenants because their tenancy also ends. They could have nowhere to live.

They can start a new tenancy if either:

• the landlord accepts rent from them

• they sign a new agreement