Updated 1 November 2026. Moving out of a rental home and ending the tenancy are connected decisions, but they are not always the same event. For an assured periodic tenancy in England, check the notice rules before booking a move or assuming that returning the keys ends the rent liability.
Current government guidance says the agreement should state the notice required, with a maximum of two months. If the agreement does not state a period, the guidance says at least two months must be given. The parties can agree a shorter period or an earlier ending, but that agreement needs to be in writing.
Check both the period and the end date
Notice must be in writing and timed so that the tenancy ends on a rent-due day or the day before it. The guidance gives letters, emails and texts as examples and says the landlord cannot dictate which method the tenant uses. Keep a copy of what was sent and a record of when it was delivered.
Our practical suggestion is to set out the property, the intention to end the tenancy and the proposed end date clearly. If a shorter period is being requested rather than an ordinary notice being given, make that distinction explicit and retain the written agreement to the alternative arrangement.
Rent and a change of plans
The government says rent continues during the notice period. Moving earlier does not automatically remove the remaining liability; an agreement with the landlord is needed for an earlier departure without the remaining rent. If the tenant changes their mind after giving notice, staying requires the landlord’s written agreement.
The official guide directs tenants whose tenancy began before 1 May 2026 to additional information because the type of tenancy and the agreement can affect the position. Do not assume that an old blog explanation of contractual and statutory periodic tenancies settles a current case.
A joint tenancy needs particular care
One joint tenant can usually end the joint tenancy without the others’ agreement. That can affect people who had expected to remain. Shortening the notice period requires the other joint tenants’ agreement, and withdrawing notice also involves their agreement as well as the landlord’s.
Discuss the intended outcome before sending a notice, and obtain housing advice where anyone’s continuing occupation is uncertain. This guide explains the published process, not the legal effect of a particular document.