You can give a legal 'notice to quit' to end your tenancy.

Only give a notice to quit if you have somewhere else to live.

This is because this notice ends your rights as a tenant.

How much notice to give your landlord

You need to give at least:

• 1 month if your rent is due monthly

• 4 weeks if your rent is due weekly

Your notice has to end on the right day.

When you might have to give more notice

Check your tenancy agreement to see if it says you have to give more notice. For example, 2 months' notice.

The longer notice period only applies if either:

• you never had a fixed term agreement

• your agreement says it continues as contractual periodic tenancy after the fixed term

Letter template: Tenant's notice to quit

Here is an example of what to write if you pay rent monthly:

You might need to print out the template unless your agreement says you can send it by email:

• Word template: Tenant's notice to quit (docx 20kb)

• OpenDocument template: Tenant's notice to quit (odt 7kb)

How to work out your tenancy end date

Your notice must end on the first or last day of your tenancy period.

The first day of your tenancy period is often the day after any fixed term ended.

It could be the date your rent is due. But it won't always be this date. For example, if you have agreed to change the rent due date since you moved in.

If you're not sure what date to write

Do not worry. Our template notice to quit includes a 'savings clause'.

A savings clause is a legal phrase added after the tenancy end date on the notice.

It means your tenancy still ends on the earliest possible date after the date in your notice.

Where to send your notice

Your landlord must give you an address to send your notice to. This is often in your tenancy agreement. It could be a letting agent's office or somewhere else.

Your notice runs from the day the notice arrives with your landlord or agent.

It's okay for a notice to arrive earlier than it needs to. But if it arrives even 1 day late, your tenancy could run on for another month.

Posting your notice to quit

Allow a few days for postage. Use Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class. This service aims to deliver on the next working day including Saturdays. You will get a signature on delivery.

Delivering your notice in person

Check the opening hours for the agent's office. For example, it might not be open on a Sunday.

Ask for a receipt from the landlord or agent when you give your notice to them.

Emailing your notice to quit

Only use email to send your notice if either:

• your tenancy agreement says you can give notice by email

• your landlord has agreed to accept notice by email and you have proof of this

Things to think about before giving notice

If you give a legal notice it ends your tenancy and your right to live in your home.

You cannot withdraw a valid notice if you change your mind.

Your landlord will not need to go to court to evict you when the notice ends.