Tenant rights and responsibilities

Ending a fixed term tenancy agreement:

• Check for a break clause - this may allow you to end the tenancy early
• Don’t just abandon the property - you may still be liable for the rent
• Ask if your landlord is willing to negotiate - please be aware they are under no obligation to do so
• Leave on the last day of the fixed term - you must tell your landlord in advance if you intend to leave on the last day

Your landlord may be willing to let you out of the tenancy early; this is called ‘surrendering the tenancy’. For this to be valid, all parties must agree to it.

Ask for the surrender agreement to be given to you in writing to avoid any future disputes.

Ending a month by month (periodic) tenancy:

• Check your tenancy agreement: you may be required to give more than the normal one month's notice
• Give your landlord one month's notice in writing or by email, keep a copy and ask for a receipt
• If your landlord agrees to take a shorter notice, ask them to confirm this in writing, keep a copy
• Deliver your notice by hand or recorded delivery if you post it

Further information on private renting (shelter.org.uk) including renewing or ending your tenancy.

Last updated: ‎27/11/2023 12:07