How much notice do you need to give?
For most private tenants in England, the rules changed on 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act. Tenancies are now periodic, and tenants usually need to give at least two months’ notice in writing. The notice should end on the last day of a rental period, which is usually the day before your rent is due.
If your tenancy started before 1 May 2026, check your agreement, as some older terms may still apply. Rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for social housing. If you’re unsure, Shelter and Citizens Advice both have free guidance.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Template letter
[Your name]
[Your current address]
[Date]
Dear [Landlord or agent’s name],
Notice to end tenancy at [property address]
I am writing to give you notice that I will be ending my tenancy at the above property. My tenancy will end on [date], which is at least two months from the date of this letter and falls at the end of a rental period.
Please let me know when you would like to arrange the check-out inspection. My forwarding address for correspondence and the return of my deposit is:
[New address]
Thank you for your help during my tenancy.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
[Phone number and email]
Before you send it
- If you’re joint tenants, ideally all tenants sign the letter.
- Send it to the address your landlord or agent uses for formal notices, and keep proof that you sent it.
- Keep paying rent until the tenancy end date.
- Book your move and end-of-tenancy clean for a day or two before the end date, so you have time to fix anything the check-out flags.