Landlord Notice to End a Tenancy: A Guide

How should you give a formal notice to end a tenancy? Your options depend on the type of tenancy agreement you have in place, and your reasons for ending it. Perhaps you have decided to sell your ideally situated Putney rental property, and want to end the tenancy ahead of the sale. Or maybe you need to evict disruptive tenants to find new, reliable ones.

In either scenario, landlords must give notice in a certain way to avoid legal challenges. However, we are well aware that landlords may not have encountered this situation before. Read our step-by-step guide to find out how to give notice to end a tenancy in South West London.

Should you give notice to end a tenancy?

Sometimes ending a tenancy is unavoidable, but remember that it can take time, potentially cost more, and can result in a void period if you plan to find new tenants. Don’t take eviction lightly – explore all the available options before taking action, such as finding a compromise or seeking mediation.

When are landlords legally allowed to end a tenancy?

If it’s a fixed term tenancy, you can’t usually end it until the term ends and it becomes a statutory periodic tenancy, unless there’s a break clause. Under a periodic tenancy, you can’t give notice during the first 4 months of the contract. However, you can give notice at any time if the tenant is antisocial, carrying out illegal activities, or doesn’t pay the rent.

How much notice for ending a tenancy?

You must give a minimum of 2 months’ notice to end the tenancy with a Section 21 notice (commonly used if you wish to move into the property or sell it). For a periodic tenancy with a rental period longer than 2 months, you must give notice equal to that rental period.

To evict tenants following a tenancy agreement breach, the amount of notice ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the grounds for eviction.

Process for ending a tenancy

1. Know your type of tenancy

The type of assured shorthold tenancy (AST) will affect the process for ending the tenancy, so check whether it’s a periodic tenancy (rolling contract) or fixed term tenancy.

2. Choose the correct type of notice

There are two types of landlord notice to end a tenancy, and each is used in different circumstances.

Section 21 notice

Otherwise known as a ‘no fault eviction’, a Section 21 notice allows you to end a tenancy without giving a reason.

Section 8 notice

To issue a Section 8 notice, landlords must give a valid reason or ‘grounds for possession’. It usually comes into play when the tenants have breached the tenancy agreement.

3. Ensure you meet all the legal requirements

You will struggle to evict tenants if you haven’t met your legal duties. Ensure that the tenant’s deposit is protected, that they were given the government’s ‘How to rent’ guide, and that you hold a valid Gas Safety Certificate. Never harass the tenants – for example, by changing the locks or entering unannounced.

4. Fill out the correct notice

There’s plenty of support on how to write an end of tenancy notice. To serve a Section 21 notice, complete Form 6A, available on gov.uk. If you plan to serve a Section 8 notice, use Form 3 on gov.uk stating the grounds for eviction. Date a copy or complete form N215 as a written evidence that you have given the tenant formal notice to end the tenancy.

5. Follow the correct notice period

If you are giving a no fault eviction notice, allow a minimum of 2 months’ notice. The notice period for Section 8 evictions varies according to the tenancy agreement breach, starting from as little as 2 weeks’ notice.

6. Wait for notice period to elapse & tenant to leave

The notice period will hopefully see your tenant leaving on or before the last day, however if they don’t leave, seek legal advice.

7. Apply to court for possession (if necessary)

If the tenants don’t leave, apply for a court order. If you served a Section 21 notice and are not seeking rent arrears, you can apply for an accelerated possession order.

Upcoming rules changes with the Renters’ Rights Bill

The Labour government’s Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law during 2025. Its exact terms may change, but several proposed measured will directly affect how landlords give notice to end a tenancy. For example, Section 21 notices and fixed term tenancies are due to be abolished – so watch this space carefully.

Have we answered your questions about how to give notice to end a tenancy? If you want to discuss this or any other aspect of your rental property in Putney, contact Chartwell Residential today.