Notice to quit from a landlord
A notice to quit is a type of notice to end your tenancy.
It can only be used in some situations. Your landlord still has to go to court if you do not leave.
Most landlords have to use a different type of notice.
When private landlords can give notice to quit
A private landlord can sometimes use a notice to quit in these situations:
your landlord live in another flat in a converted house
the tenant has died but you still live there
Check if you can inherit a private tenancy.
Most private landlords cannot use a notice to quit.
If they want you to leave, they have to use a section 21 or section 8 notice.
When councils or housing associations can give notice to quit
A council or housing association can use a notice to quit in these situations:
it is temporary homeless accommodation from the council
you are the tenant but you're not living there as your main home
the tenant has moved out permanently and you are not married or civil partners
the tenant has died but you still live there
Check if you can stay when a council or housing association tenant dies.
How to check if a notice to quit is valid
A notice to quit can only be used for a periodic or 'rolling' tenancy agreement.
If you have a fixed term agreement, check what it says about ending it early.
The landlord's notice to quit must be at least:
1 month long if you pay rent monthly
4 weeks long if you pay rent weekly
It must also:
tell you that the landlord must get a possession order to evict you
tell you where to get advice about your rights
end on the same day your agreement started or the day before
For example, if your tenancy started on the 11th day of a month, the notice must end on either 10th or 11th. Check your agreement if you cannot remember the start date.
What happens when a notice to quit ends
Your landlord must ask the court for a possession order and a bailiffs warrant if you do not leave when the notice ends. This can take a few months.
You have to pay rent until you leave.
Your landlord must give you the right notice and get a court order to evict you.
Your eviction is illegal if they do not.
What to do when you get a notice to quit
Get legal advice as soon as you can.
You can get free advice if you get a notice.
An adviser could help you check if the notice is valid.
You might get ongoing legal help if you have a low income.
You can ask the council for help to find somewhere to live. You can do this even if you're being evicted by the council.
Last updated: 10 June 2025
