Notice Periods for Ending a Tenancy | A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

New Tenancy Structure

• With the abolishment of Section 21, all tenancies are now periodic meaning that they automatically roll over on a month-to-month basis with no fixed end date. This means that if a Landlord to Tenant wishes to end the tenancy agreement they must give a valid reason, and comply with the specific notice period for that reason. 
• Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time.
• Landlords must provide at least four months’ notice for most grounds, unless a shorter period is legally allowed (e.g. rent arrears or anti-social behaviour). For each reason there can be different notice periods. For the full list of up to date grounds for possession, please see the government website.  

Student Tenancies

• Landlords can regain possession at the end of the academic year to maintain the student housing cycle.
• This is a specific exemption to support the seasonal nature of student accommodation.

Additional Protections and Considerations

For Tenants:

• You have the right to challenge evictions and rent increases.
• A new Private Rented Sector ombudsman will handle complaints and disputes.

For Landlords:

• Misuse of possession grounds (e.g. falsely claiming to sell or move in) may result in penalties and restrictions on re-letting.