Ending the tenancy
Property condition
As a tenant, you are responsible for handing back the property in the same condition as you got it. You are also responsible for any damage caused to the property during the term of your tenancy.
Landlords may make reasonable deductions from your deposit to cover costs for any damage caused. You have a right to dispute the amount kept from your deposit if you feel that the landlord’s charges are not reasonable.
Your deposit
If you paid a deposit at the start of your tenancy, your landlord should have secured it with an approved scheme and should have given you the details of this scheme.
Notice period
You are entitled to a notice from the landlord to quit your tenancy. The notice to quit should be in writing, and the landlord and you should each keep a copy.
Landlord’s notice to quit
Depending on the length of the tenancy, the landlord must give you a minimum notice to quit period.
| Length of tenancy | Notice to quit |
|---|---|
| Tenancy has not existed for more than 12 months. | Not less than four weeks' written notice. |
| Tenancy has existed for more than 12 months but not more than 10 years. | Not less than eight weeks' written notice |
| Tenancy has existed for more than 10 years. | Not less than 12 weeks' written notice. |
If the tenant does not leave after the notice has expired, the landlord can apply for a court order from a Magistrates' court. It is an offence to evict a tenant without getting a court order, even if the notice to quit has expired.
Tenant’s notice to quit
Depending on the length of the tenancy, you must give your landlord a minimum notice to quit period. However, be mindful that some tenancies are for a fixed term and you may not be able to leave the tenancy before the agreed end date.
| Length of tenancy | Notice to quit |
|---|---|
| Tenancy has not existed for more than 10 months. | Not less than four weeks' written notice. |
| Tenancy has existed for more than 10 years. | Not less than 12 weeks' written notice. |
Notice to licensees
Landlords do not need a court order to evict licensees, who share part or all of a property (usually with the landlord). Licensees are only entitled to 'reasonable' notice before they must leave the property.
- Learn the difference between a tenant and a licensee (link opens in new window)
Getting a reference from your landlord
As part of their antisocial behaviour (ASB) plan, HMO landlords and managers need to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of ASB at their properties.
They will request references from new tenants as part of this process. They may then consider any previous inappropriate behaviour when deciding to offer accommodation.
If you are looking for HMO accommodation or a private rental in the future, you should request a reference from your existing landlord before your current tenancy ends.
