Notice to Quit

The Renters’ Rights Act will change how much notice you have to give to end your assured private tenancy.

Letter template: Notice to quit

A notice to quit is a legal notice. It ends assured private tenancy.
Only give notice if you can find somewhere to live before the tenancy end date.
Here is an example of what to write if your rent is due monthly:

NOTICE TO QUIT

To: [landlord or agent’s name and address]

From: [your name and address]

I am giving 2 month’s notice to end my tenancy as required by law.

I will be leaving [property address] on [tenancy end date], or on the day when a complete period of my tenancy ends next after 8 weeks from the day this notice is served.

Signed: [your signature]

You might need to give more than 2 month’s notice if your tenancy agreement says so.

Download the notice from the Shelter website

How to work out your tenancy end date

A legal notice must end on the first or last day of your tenancy period.
Your tenancy period depends on how often your rent is due.
The first day of your tenancy period is the day your rolling or periodic tenancy started. It’s 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.

Example if your rent is due monthly

If your tenancy started on 15 May, each month:

  • the first day of your tenancy period is the 15th
  • the last day of your tenancy period is the 14th

You must give at least 2 month’s notice ending on the 14th or 15th of the month.

Example if your rent is due weekly

If your tenancy started on a Tuesday, each week:

  • the first day of your tenancy period is Tuesday
  • the last day of your tenancy period is Monday

You must give at least 8 weeks’ notice ending on a Monday or Tuesday.

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.
Joint tenancies end for all tenants even if only one of you gives notice.
Your landlord might agree to let you or other joint tenants stay on after a notice ends.
Ask to sign a new agreement if they let you stay.