How to end a fixed term tenancy early
The law is changing
Most private fixed term tenancies will become assured tenancies.
This will make it easier for you to leave, but harder for your landlord to evict you.
Renters' Rights Act changes start from 1 May 2026.
For now, your rights stay the same.
If you cannot get out of your contract
You might decide to:
leave early anyway
wait until the end of the fixed term
stay and negotiate a rent reduction
Leave early anyway
Your tenancy will end automatically if the landlord lets the property to someone else. You're no longer responsible for rent when a new tenancy starts.
You can help your landlord find a new tenant more quickly if you:
return the keys
explain you've left and cannot pay rent
remove your belongings and leave the property in good condition
You're still responsible for the rent until the property is rented out to new tenants.
Keep negotiating after you leave.
Find out what could happen if you do not end your tenancy properly.
Wait until the end of the fixed term
Many tenancies end automatically if everyone leaves by the last day of the fixed term.
Some fixed term contracts continue as periodic tenancies unless you give notice to say you're leaving.
Joint tenancies usually:
end if everybody leaves by the last day
continue if any joint tenants stay on without signing a new agreement
Find out more about options at the end of a fixed term.
Stay and negotiate a rent reduction
It's important to keep paying as much rent as you can.
Find out about:
Last updated: 18 November 2025
