In the UK, ending a tenancy agreement requires following certain procedures and adhering to specific notice periods. As a tenant or landlord, it is essential to know the correct procedure for terminating a tenancy agreement to avoid any legal issues or misunderstandings.

So, what notice period is required to end a tenancy agreement in the UK? The answer largely depends on the type of tenancy agreement you have.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

If you have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which is the most common type of tenancy agreement in the UK, the notice period required to end your tenancy agreement is as follows:

- If you wish to leave the property before the fixed term of your tenancy agreement ends, you must give your landlord at least one month’s notice.

- If your letting agent or landlord wishes to end the tenancy agreement before the fixed term ends, they must give you two months’ notice.

- If you wish to leave the property at the end of the fixed term, you must give your landlord at least one month’s notice.

- If your letting agent or landlord wishes to end the tenancy agreement at the end of the fixed term, they do not need to give you any notice, but they must inform you that they will not be renewing the tenancy.

Non-Assured Shorthold Tenancy

If you have a Non-Assured Shorthold Tenancy, which is a less common type of tenancy agreement, you must give your landlord at least four weeks’ notice to end the tenancy agreement.

Common Law Tenancy

If your tenancy agreement is a Common Law Tenancy, which is a less formal type of agreement, the notice period required to end the tenancy agreement is not set by law. Therefore, you and your landlord must agree on a suitable notice period.

What happens if the required notice period is not given?

If either party fails to give the required notice period, they may be liable for a penalty. However, the penalty amount will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

In summary, understanding the required notice period to end a tenancy agreement in the UK is crucial to avoid any legal issues or misunderstandings. As a tenant or landlord, it’s essential to know your rights and obligations to ensure a smooth and successful end to your tenancy agreement.