Ending your tenancy

When it’s time to move out, it’s important to follow the correct process to avoid any issues. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Giving notice: inform your landlord in advance if you plan to end your tenancy. This is known as giving notice. If you don’t give notice properly, you might still be liable for rent and other bills, such as council tax, even after you’ve moved out. The notice period and method depend on your tenancy type and agreement terms. Visit GOV.UK for more on how to end your tenancy.
• Surrendering your tenancy: if you can’t give the required notice, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord to end the tenancy early, known as ‘surrendering your tenancy’, you should speak directly to your landlord about this. 
• Landlord issues: don’t end your tenancy due to issues with your landlord, like incomplete repairs. You have the right to a safe home and fair treatment. Legal protections are in place to ensure landlords fulfil their obligations. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities.

Types of tenancy 

• Fixed-term tenancy: ends on a specific date that is set out in your tenancy agreement. 
• Periodic tenancy: continues on a monthly or weekly basis, also known as a ‘rolling tenancy’. 

Leaving without notice 

You should avoid leaving without giving notice or getting your landlord’s agreement. This is because your tenancy won’t officially end, and you’ll still owe rent and possibly other bills. Your landlord can obtain a court order for unpaid rent and this will also mean paying additional court costs.  

Leaving without giving proper notice may also make it difficult to secure a new home  as you may not be able to get a reference from your landlord, your deposit back, or you could accumulate debt from rent arrears. 

Leaving when fixed-term ends

You don’t need to give notice to leave on the last day of your fixed-term unless required by your tenancy agreement. However, notifying your landlord can help avoid issues and help speed up references or the deposit return. 

Moving out 

Ensure the property is clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, aside from fair wear and tear, so you get your deposit back. You should take photos of the property’s condition upon leaving in case it is challenged. 

Paying bills 

Settle all household bills, such as gas, electricity, broadband, and council tax, before moving out. Take a picture of your electric and gas meters for your records. Inform all the relevant service providers of your move-out date to avoid charges after leaving. 

Redirecting post 

If you are worried about missing your post once you move, Royal Mail provide a postal redirection service to forward your mail to your new address. There is a charge for this, you can apply online or at your local post office 

Alternatively, you could give your new address to your landlord or neighbours and ask them to forward on.