How do you end a periodic tenancy?
Asked by: Taya Yundt | Last update: February 28, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)
To end a periodic tenancy, you must give your landlord written notice that meets the required minimum notice period, usually equal to one rental period (e.g., one month for month-to-month), ensuring the notice ends on the last day of a rental period, and you'll still owe rent until that date. Always check your local laws and lease for specific requirements, but typically, this involves a formal letter or email stating your move-out date and signing off on the property, returning keys, and arranging bond refunds.
How does a landlord end a periodic tenancy?
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.
Can I end a periodic tenancy?
Notice periods for ending a periodic tenancy (for tenants)
A tenant must give at least 21 days' written notice to end the tenancy unless the landlord agrees to a shorter time. This agreement should be in writing.
What are the drawbacks of a periodic tenancy?
The main disadvantage to landlords with tenants on periodic tenancies is the fact the tenant can up and leave fairly quickly; there is no longer-term surety of income for the landlord.
What are valid reasons to end a tenancy?
Landlords must now provide a valid reason—such as rent arrears, property sale, or tenant misconduct—when seeking to end a tenancy. These reforms aim to improve clarity and fairness while protecting landlords' ability to manage their properties effectively.
How to End Your Tenancy Agreement | Step-by-Step Tenant Guide 📦🏡💡
What are the 7 permitted grounds to end a tenancy?
The 7 permitted grounds to end a tenancy often fall under "at-fault" (tenant behavior) and "no-fault" (landlord's legitimate reasons like personal use or sale) categories, commonly including nonpayment of rent, lease violations, property damage, nuisance/crime, landlord/family needing the property, landlord's plans to sell/renovate, or sale to an eligible entity, varying slightly by jurisdiction but generally balancing tenant security with landlord necessities, as highlighted in UK's Renters' Rights Bill context.
When can a landlord end a periodic occupation contract?
If you have a periodic standard contract, your landlord can only evict you by giving you written notice and getting a possession order from the county court. Your landlord doesn't need to provide a reason to end a periodic standard occupation contract.
Can my landlord evict me on a periodic tenancy?
During a periodic tenancy, the landlord cannot evict the tenant unless they use the process in either Section 21 or Section 8. The Renters' Rights Act is due to come into force on 1 May 2026, and it will turn all new and existing tenancies for private renters into open-ended periodic tenancies.
Why would a landlord want a periodic tenancy?
Benefits of a Periodic Tenancy for Landlords
A periodic tenancy can have wide-ranging benefits for both landlord and tenant, including; Increased flexibility. If you suddenly need to regain possession of your property, a periodic tenancy speeds up this process as you don't have to wait until the end of a fixed period.
What are the risks of a periodic tenancy?
Abrupt lease termination: On the flip side, tenants in a periodic tenancy may face the risk of abrupt lease termination. If the landlord decides to reclaim the property—for personal use, sale, or moving family of their own in - tenants may find themselves having to find new accommodation at short notice.
How to write a notice to end a tenancy?
You should say something like: “I am giving 1 month's notice to end my tenancy, as required by law. I will be leaving the property on (date xxxxx). I would like you to be at the property on the day I move out to check the premises and for me to return the keys.
What is the best excuse to break a lease?
The best excuses to break a lease legally without penalty are usually active military duty, uninhabitable living conditions (like no heat, mold, major repairs ignored by landlord), or being a victim of domestic violence/stalking, as federal and state laws often protect these situations. Other strong, negotiable reasons include a landlord harassing you, a major health crisis, or a job transfer, but these often require landlord negotiation, finding a replacement tenant, or paying a fee, rather than being automatic legal outs.
Is a periodic tenancy protected?
The tenant under a periodic tenancy of business premises has protection under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and so any notice to quit given by the landlord takes effect subject to the provisions of the Act.
What should a landlord do at the end of a tenancy?
Carry out an end of tenancy inspection
On the day that your tenants move out, an end of tenancy inspection should be carried out and any damage that isn't general wear and tear should be photographed and recorded. Don't forget to make the following checks during a final tenancy inspection. Check the property is clean.
What are the benefits of periodic tenancy?
The benefits include:
- Periodic tenancy is flexible. For instance, when landlords want their premises vacated, they can quickly issue a notice without waiting for the expiration date, as in a fixed-term tenancy.
- Less paperwork is needed. Tenancy contracts require several legal formalities that can be time-consuming.
How many months notice should a landlord give a tenant?
1 months' notice for a monthly tenant; 3 months' notice for a quarterly tenant; 3 months' notice for a half-yearly tenant; and. 6 months' notice for a yearly tenant.
How does a landlord terminate a periodic tenancy?
Landlords will still be able to end a tenancy when they have a genuine need, but they will rely on the grounds-based Section 8 notice procedure instead.
What are the drawbacks of periodic tenancy?
Disadvantages of a periodic tenancy include less stability, as either party can end the tenancy with notice, potentially frequent rent changes, and uncertainty over the tenancy duration.
Can a periodic tenancy become a fixed term?
Yes, if both parties agree to new terms specifying a fixed term. Is a written agreement required for periodic tenancies?
How much notice to end a periodic tenancy?
Key Updates from January 2025
Specific grounds (e.g. landlord moving in, property sold, housing for employee) allow a 42-day notice period. Tenants ending periodic tenancies now need to give 21 days' notice (down from 28).
What's the quickest way to get someone out of your house?
The Landlord and Tenant Branch is eviction court, and you do not have to be a landlord to file a case to evict someone. You do not have to use the Landlord and Tenant Branch, but it is usually the fastest way to get a judgment to remove a person from your property.
What are the rules for a periodic tenancy?
A periodic tenancy agreement has no end date. It continues until either the tenant or the landlord gives the correct written notice to end the periodic tenancy. If a fixed-term tenancy is coming to an end and neither party gives the correct notice, the fixed-term tenancy automatically becomes a period tenancy.
Can I be evicted on a periodic tenancy?
You can use a Section 21 notice to evict your tenants either: after a fixed term tenancy ends - if there's a written contract. during a tenancy with no fixed end date - known as a 'periodic' tenancy.
How to end a periodic joint tenancy?
Give a 'notice to quit' to your landlord. This ends your joint periodic tenancy and responsibility for rent. You do not need permission from the other tenants or the landlord to do this. But you should to tell the other joint tenants because their tenancy also ends.
What is a RHW12 notice?
This notice informs you that a new rent is payable from the date listed in Part E. If you need advice about any aspect of this notice or are worried that you may not be able to pay your rent, you should first contact your landlord. Many problems can be resolved quickly by raising them when they first arise.