Tenant Notice Periods Under
the Renters' Rights Act 2025

Background: fixed terms are gone

Before RRA 2025, most tenancies were fixed-term (typically 12 months) followed by a statutory periodic tenancy. The notice period varied depending on whether the tenancy was still in the fixed term.

From 1 May 2026, new tenancies cannot have a fixed term. All new private rented tenancies in England are periodic from day one, rolling month-to-month (or week-to-week for weekly rents). The mandatory 12-month minimum fixed term is replaced by a 12-month period during which the landlord cannot use Ground 1 or Ground 1A to regain possession.

For tenants, this means their right to give notice exists from day one of the tenancy — no need to wait for a fixed term to expire.

How much notice must a tenant give?

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 standardises tenant notice periods for periodic assured tenancies: 2 months' written notice.

There is no statutory minimum period before which a tenant cannot give notice — unlike the old fixed-term regime where tenants were bound for the duration of the initial term. Under RRA 2025, a tenant could theoretically give notice in month 1. In practice, agencies include a clause in the tenancy agreement specifying when notice can first be served; legal advice recommended before relying on such clauses post-RRA 2025.

Does the notice have to be in writing?

Yes. The Housing Act 1988 requires that notice to quit must be in writing. A verbal notice is not valid.

Email counts as writing under the Electronic Communications Act 2000. A text message or WhatsApp message is also technically “writing” but carries risk — it can be harder to prove receipt and the date of delivery. Best practice for agents and landlords: confirm receipt of any emailed or messaged notice and record it formally.

Agents should record all notices received in their property management system with the date received, the method, and the calculated vacation date. This record matters if there is later dispute about whether notice was properly given.

When must the notice expire?

For a monthly tenancy, the notice must expire on the last day of a complete rental period. This is typically the day before the rent due date.

In practice, most tenancy agreements specify exactly how notice must be given and when it expires. Landlords and agents should follow the agreement terms provided they do not fall below the statutory minimum.

Can a tenant give less than 2 months' notice?

Not validly, unless the landlord agrees. If a tenant gives less than 2 months' notice and the landlord does not accept it, the tenancy does not legally end on the tenant's stated date. The tenant remains liable for rent until either:

• A valid 2-month notice expires, or
• The landlord accepts the shorter notice in writing (a mutual surrender), or
• The landlord re-lets the property (which effectively accepts the end of the tenancy)

Agencies should be careful here — re-letting too quickly after a tenant vacates without serving a valid notice could be interpreted as accepting the informal end of the tenancy and waiving the rent owed for the remaining notice period.

What if the tenant simply leaves?

A tenant who vacates without giving proper notice does not legally end the tenancy. The landlord can pursue the tenant for rent until the tenancy is validly terminated. However, landlords and agents have a duty to mitigate losses — they must take reasonable steps to re-let the property rather than simply leaving it empty and continuing to claim rent.

In practice, if a tenant abandons the property, agents should serve a formal notice to the last known address, record the state of the property (photos, inventory), and begin re-letting promptly. Any overlap between the remaining notice period and re-let income reduces the amount recoverable.