How to end a fixed term tenancy early
The law is changing
There will be no more fixed term tenancies.
This will make it easier for tenants to leave by giving notice.
For now, your rights stay the same.
Speak to other joint tenants
Everyone who is on the tenancy agreement needs to agree about ending the tenancy.
If you all want to leave
It is easier if all the joint tenants want to leave.
To end the tenancy early you need to either:
use a break clause if there is one in your agreement
get your landlord to agree you can leave early
When other joint tenants want to stay
Joint tenants who want to stay probably will not use a break clause because that could end the whole tenancy.
You could ask them to agree to end the joint tenancy early. You need to agree this with them and the landlord.
New tenancy agreement
Tenants who want to stay need to make a new tenancy agreement for when the current agreement ends.
They might need to find a replacement tenant. This is someone who can move in when you leave and sign a new agreement.
Finding a new joint tenant
You could find someone if, for example:
you advertise the property online
a friend or family member wants to move in
Your housemates and your landlord must agree to the replacement joint tenant. Talk about it first.
The replacement tenant should pay their deposit to the landlord, not to you.
Last updated: 18 November 2025
