Private tenancies are assured periodic tenancies. There is no fixed end date (such as 6 or 12 months). Your tenancy runs continuously until you or your landlord ends it legally.
If your landlord asks you to leave
Your landlord must give you written notice on an official legal form before asking you to move out. The required notice depends on the reason:
- Selling or moving in: If your landlord wants to sell the property or move in themselves (or move in a close family member), they must give you at least 4 months’ notice.
- Rent arrears: If you owe more than 3 months’ rent, your landlord can give you 4 weeks’ notice.
You can check official assured tenancy eviction forms on GOV.UK
Notice you must give your landlord
To end your tenancy, you must give your landlord at least 2 months’ written notice.
Your landlord cannot require you to give more than 2 months’ notice, but you can choose to give a longer period.
- You can only give less than 2 months’ notice if your landlord agrees in writing.
- If you have a joint tenancy, all named tenants must agree in writing to a shorter notice period.
Read Shelter’s guidance on ending a periodic tenancy
Documents your landlord must provide
Your landlord must give you specific safety and tenancy documents. If they have not provided these, any eviction notice they serve may not be valid:
- Written tenancy agreement: A written statement of your tenancy terms.
- Gas safety certificate: A valid copy given to you every 12 months (if your home has gas).
- Energy performance certificate (EPC): Showing an energy rating of E or higher, unless the home is exempt.
- ‘How to rent’ guide: The government booklet that was current when your tenancy started.
- Deposit protection details: Proof that your deposit is held in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme.
How long an eviction notice lasts
An eviction notice is valid for 12 months from the date your landlord gives it to you.
If your landlord does not apply to court within 12 months, the notice expires and they must issue a new one.
If you are at risk of losing your home
Contact the council as soon as possible if you receive an eviction notice and:
- You cannot resolve the issue with your landlord
- You cannot find somewhere else to live before the notice ends