How to end a fixed term tenancy early
Unwind your tenancy agreement
You have the 'right to unwind' a tenancy agreement if you signed it because of misleading information given by the landlord or agent.
Not mentioning something does not count as misleading information although this could still be an unfair trading practice.
Example of misleading information
You ask an agent to confirm the property comes with the furniture you see at a viewing.
The agent says everything is included and provides an inventory.
You sign the tenancy agreement but when you move in, there's no furniture.
This is a misleading action by the agent.
How to claim the right to unwind
You must inform the landlord or agent that you want to reject the contract within 90 days of the tenancy start date.
If the landlord accepts your right to unwind they should:
release you from the contract
refund any money you're entitled to
You're entitled to a full refund if you tell them within 1 month of the tenancy start date.
Make sure you have somewhere to move to before you reject the contract. Your tenancy will end if your landlord accepts the right to unwind.
Find out what else you should do when you leave a rented home.
Letter template
Copy our template into an email to the landlord or agent.
[Use the subject: Right to unwind my tenancy agreement]
I am writing about my tenancy of [address] which started on [tenancy start date].
When discussing the property on [date of discussion] you stated [explain the landlord's misleading information or actions].
I signed the tenancy agreement on the basis of the misleading information I was given.
Since moving in I have discovered that [explain the true situation].
I wish to reject the contract under the provisions of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, also known as the 'right to unwind'.
I intend to leave the property on [date you want to leave]. The contract will end on that date. I will not be making further rent payments for any period after that date and expect the deposit to be returned promptly.
Please confirm that you accept my right to unwind the contract and arrangements for returning the keys on [date you want to leave].
As I am rejecting the contract within 1 month of the tenancy start date, I am entitled to a full refund of the money paid under the agreement. This includes:
£xxx rent
£xxx deposit
[add any other money paid]
Please confirm when and how this will be returned. [Give your bank details if you want to]
If I do not hear from you I will consider applying to court for an order confirming my right to unwind and damages for financial loss, distress and inconvenience.
I look forward to hearing from you within 3 days.
Word template: Right to unwind my tenancy agreement (docx 23kb)
OpenDocument template: Right to unwind my tenancy agreement (odt 10kb)
If the landlord does not accept your right to unwind
It is risky to leave your tenancy early.
You are responsible for rent unless a court confirms your right to unwind the contract.
Your landlord could make a money claim for any unpaid rent.
Last updated: 26 June 2023
