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

New Tenancy Structure

• All tenancies are now periodic: Tenancies automatically continue on a rolling monthly basis, with no fixed end date.
• Tenants may end the tenancy with two months’ notice at any time.
• Landlords must provide a minimum of four months’ notice for most possession grounds, unless a shorter period is legally permitted (e.g., in cases of rent arrears or anti-social behaviour).

Student Tenancies

A specific exemption applies to student accommodation:

• Landlords may regain possession at the end of the academic year to maintain the seasonal cycle of student housing.

Additional Protections and Considerations

For Tenants:

• Tenants have the right to challenge both evictions and rent increases.
• A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will provide a formal route for resolving disputes and complaints.

For Landlords:

• Misuse of possession grounds—such as falsely claiming an intention to sell or move in—may result in penalties and restrictions on re-letting the property.