Tenants can leave on two months' written notice; you cannot require more

A tenant of a private assured tenancy wants to leave.

Accept a tenant's written notice to quit of at least two months (or any shorter period, up to two months, that you agreed in writing; for joint tenancies the agreement must be with all tenants). Do not require more than two months or dictate how notice is given. The notice should end the tenancy on a rent day or the day before. One joint tenant's notice usually ends the tenancy for all.

Deadline

After serving notice

Tenancy ends when the tenant's notice expires (at least two months unless shorter agreed in writing).

• Tenant's written notice
• Any written agreement to a shorter period signed by all joint tenants

Other consequences

A term requiring longer notice is ineffective.

• Renters' Rights Act 2025, s.20 (amends Protection from Eviction Act 1977 s.5: notices to quit by tenants of assured tenancies)legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

Pre-1 May 2026 tenancies (GOV.UK): a contractual notice period of up to two months still applies where the tenancy was periodic from the start or had a fixed term ending on or after 1 May 2026, or a fixed term ending earlier but with terms covering what happens after; otherwise the two-month default applies. Notices given before 1 May 2026 remain valid (RRA Sch 6 para 9).

• Tenancies must be rolling: no fixed terms and no ending a tenancy orallyIn force since 1 May 2026Fine up to £7,000

  Assured tenancies are now periodic with rent periods of a month or less. You must not purport to grant a fixed term, or end (or require the tenant to end) the tenancy by word of mouth.

• Respond to written pet requests within 28 days and do not refuse unreasonablyIn force since 1 May 2026

  A tenant can ask in writing to keep a pet. You must reply in writing within 28 days and can only refuse for a good reason. You cannot require pet insurance.

• Renters' Rights Act penalty tiers: £7,000 breaches and £40,000 offencesIn force since 1 May 2026Fine up to £40,000

  Councils can fine up to £7,000 for most tenancy-rule breaches and up to £40,000 (instead of prosecution) for the serious offences, with repeat and continuing breaches escalating to the higher tier.

• Rent repayment orders: up to 2 years' rent, wider offences, superior landlords liableIn force since 1 May 2026

  Tenants and councils can ask the First-tier Tribunal to make a landlord repay up to 2 years' rent (previously 12 months) for listed offences. Superior landlords and company officers can be liable, and repeat offenders must pay the maximum.