How much notice does a tenant have to give?

Since 1 May 2026 fixed terms have ended and tenancies are periodic. GOV.UK says tenants can end a tenancy by giving two months' notice, and the end date has to line up with the end of a rent period.

What that means

• You do not have to wait for a fixed term to finish.
• If rent is paid monthly on the 1st, the tenancy ends on the last day of a rent period, so the notice has to run to that date.
• A shorter period is possible if your tenancy agreement provides for one.

Practical steps

• Give notice in writing and keep proof of the date it was delivered.
• Check the notice period and any shorter period in your agreement.
• Keep paying rent until the tenancy ends.
• Ask for the deposit back. The deposit should be returned within 10 days of both sides agreeing how much goes back (see the deposit rules).

If you share the tenancy

This site does not cover how one tenant leaving affects the others. Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before giving notice if there is more than one name on the tenancy.

What a landlord has to do

A landlord cannot end the tenancy without a Section 8 ground, and the notice period depends on the ground. See notice periods by ground.

Common questions

How much notice does a tenant have to give in England?

Two months, with the end date lining up with the end of a rent period, according to GOV.UK. A shorter period can apply if the tenancy agreement provides for it.

Can a tenant leave before a fixed term ends?

Fixed terms ended on 1 May 2026, so tenancies are periodic and a tenant can leave on two months' notice.

Does the notice have to be in writing?

It is sensible to give written notice and keep proof of the date. Check your tenancy agreement for how notice has to be given.

Free tools for this

• Tenancy timeline: Key dates from the start of a new tenancy.

More guides

• Renters' Rights Act 2025: what changed on 1 May 2026
• Is Section 21 abolished?