How to end a periodic tenancy
The law is changing
The Renters' Rights Act will change how much notice you have to give to end a periodic tenancy.
Changes for private tenants start from 1 May 2026.
For now, your rights stay the same.
What is a periodic tenancy?
A periodic tenancy is the legal name for a rolling tenancy with no fixed end date.
You have this type of tenancy if:
your fixed term assured shorthold (AST) has ended
you did not agree to or sign another fixed term tenancy
You will also have this type of tenancy if your agreement did not have an end date.
Fixed term tenancies are ended differently.
Read this guide instead if you want to end a fixed term tenancy early.
Options for ending your tenancy
You can end your tenancy by either:
You can only end a joint tenancy by agreement if all joint tenants agree.
Speak to your landlord or agent first. You can then agree a tenancy end date in writing once you are ready to move. Some landlords are more flexible about dates than others.
You need to give a 'notice to quit' if you cannot agree a tenancy end date with your landlord.
Keep paying your rent
You need to keep paying your rent until your tenancy ends.
Find out what happens if you do not end your tenancy properly.
Last updated: 16 February 2026
