Do you have to leave a student tenancy in the summer?
This advice is for full time students renting from a private landlord or letting agent.
You have different rights in student halls of residence.
Can you stay after a notice ends?
You do not have to leave when an eviction notice from your landlord ends.
Your landlord can apply to court for an eviction order if you do not leave.
You have a right to stay while your landlord applies for an eviction order.
Table: Court action deadlines
The Renters' Rights Act gives deadlines for your landlord to start court action.
| Type of notice | Latest date for court action |
|---|---|
| Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
| Section 8 notice before 1 May 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
| Section 8 notice from 1 May 2026 | 1 year from when you get the notice |
If your landlord applies to court too late, they cannot use the notice to evict you.
Should you move out when the notice ends?
A court cannot stop your eviction if a section 21 or ground 4A notice is valid.
Valid means the notice is correct. For example, your landlord:
uses the right form
gives you enough notice
A court can sometimes stop an eviction for rent arrears or other reasons.
You might have to pay at least £666 if you're evicted by bailiffs.
You could avoid the stress and costs of eviction by finding a new place to live.
What if you or another joint tenant give notice?
Any joint tenant can give a 'notice to quit'.
If the notice is valid, it ends the tenancy for all of you.
You have to move out when the notice ends unless you sign a new agreement.
Your landlord does not need to go to court to make you leave.
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Last updated: 1 May 2026
