How to end a periodic tenancy
End a tenancy by agreement
You could agree a tenancy end date with your landlord or through the agent.
This is a less formal option than giving a legal notice. It can give you some flexibility about when the tenancy ends. For example, if you're buying a house.
You do not always need to give a legal notice if you can agree on the tenancy end date. But it's important to get any agreement in writing. For example, in an email.
You can only end a joint tenancy in this way if everyone agrees.
How to agree on a tenancy end date
You could email your landlord or agent and:
explain that you'd like to move out
ask how much notice they'd expect
suggest a move out date
Some landlords are more flexible than others.
For example, your landlord could agree that the tenancy can end early, or they might say that you have to pay rent until the end of your tenancy period.
The more notice you give, the more flexible landlords should be.
Make sure you confirm your agreement in an email or letter so you're both clear about when you intend the tenancy to end.
If you leave by the agreed date
Your tenancy ends legally. It counts as a 'surrender' of the tenancy as long as your landlord agreed to you leaving. Keep written evidence that they agreed.
Find out about what to do when you leave your rented home.
If you cannot move out by this date
Let your landlord know as soon as possible. For example, if an offer of a new tenancy falls through.
This type of arrangement does not usually end your tenancy if you do not move out, so you can stay on as a tenant.
Cannot agree on a tenancy end date?
You can still end your tenancy by giving your landlord a legal notice to quit.
Last updated: 2 July 2024
