Extending Your Tenancy 

If you rent a property in England, your tenancy will usually continue unless you or your landlord take steps to end it in line with the law.

Most private rented tenancies in England are now periodic tenancies, which means the tenancy rolls from one rental period to the next until it is ended correctly.

If you want to stay in your home, it’s a good idea to speak to your landlord or letting agent in good time, especially if:

• your circumstances have changed
• you want to discuss any changes to the tenancy
• your landlord is proposing a rent increase

Your rent can only be increased in line with the law. This may be by agreement, or by the landlord following the correct legal process. If your landlord proposes a new rent using the formal process and you disagree, you may be able to challenge it through the tribunal.

Ending Your Tenancy

If you want to leave your rented home, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord or agent as early as possible.

For private rented tenancies in England, tenants can usually end a tenancy by giving 2 months’ notice, unless a shorter notice period has been agreed. Your notice should be given in the way set out in your tenancy agreement.

If your landlord wants you to leave, they must follow the correct legal process. From 1 May 2026, landlords in England can no longer use a section 21 notice to end a private tenancy. Instead, they must use the appropriate legal ground and give the correct notice using the updated possession process.

Before You Move Out

Before the tenancy ends, make sure you:

• pay any rent due in full
• settle any outstanding household bills
• remove all of your belongings
• clean the property and leave it in the agreed condition
• take meter readings where relevant
• return all keys
• provide a forwarding address

Your Tenancy Deposit

If you paid a tenancy deposit, it should be returned to you in line with the tenancy deposit protection rules, provided there are no agreed deductions.

It’s a good idea to attend the check-out inspection if possible. If deductions are proposed and you do not agree with them, you can raise the dispute with the relevant tenancy deposit protection scheme.

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