How to end a tenancy before you move in

Agreeing to a tenancy

Agreeing a tenancy means that you did things like:

• signed a tenancy agreement in person, by post or online

• accepted tenancy terms like the rent amount

• set a move in date with the landlord

• paid a deposit or rent in advance

You are responsible for rent from the day the tenancy starts even if you do not move in.

You cannot usually end a fixed term tenancy until it runs out, unless there's a break clause.

This is whether you move in or not.

If you did not sign a contract

You might not have agreed to the tenancy if you and the landlord only talked about renting the property.

It is harder for a landlord to say that you agreed to the tenancy if you do not have a written contract.

But a landlord might still say you have a tenancy if there is some proof that you agreed to it. For example, emails or payment of rent in advance.

If you paid a holding deposit

Paying a holding deposit is not the same as agreeing to a tenancy or signing a contract.

But it means you usually have 15 days to agree a tenancy.

You could lose your holding deposit if you decide not to go ahead.

You can change your mind if you have a good reason.

More on paying a holding deposit and getting it back.

What to do if you cannot move in

You can ask to end the agreement.

The landlord might agree to end a fixed term tenancy if you have a good reason. For example:

• you will not be able to afford the rent

• you are no longer going to university in the area

You are responsible for rent until your tenancy ends.

Your tenancy ends automatically if the landlord moves a new tenant into the property.

Unwinding the contract

You have the 'right to unwind' a tenancy agreement if both:

• the landlord or agent gave you wrong information about the tenancy or the property

• you would not have agreed to the tenancy if they had told you the truth

For example, if you signed because the letting agent said all the furniture was included. But then you were told to get your own furniture.

It does not count as wrong information if the landlord or agent did not mention something. For example, if the property is near a building site that is very noisy.

You must tell the landlord or agent that you do not want the contract within 90 days of the tenancy start date.

Use our letter template to unwind your tenancy agreement.