Periodic tenancy notice periods: the 2026 reference
Every deadline that governs an assured periodic tenancy in England, in one place. Bookmark this; the detail behind each row is linked.
Ending the tenancy
| Who / what | Notice required | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant leaving | 2 months | In writing, expiring on the last day of a rent period; can be given at any time |
| Landlord – selling or moving in | 4 months | Mandatory ground; not usable in the first 12 months |
| Landlord – serious rent arrears | 4 weeks | Mandatory at the statutory arrears threshold |
| Landlord – breach of tenancy terms | 2 weeks | Discretionary; court weighs reasonableness |
| Landlord – antisocial behaviour | Immediate–short | Proceedings can begin quickly in serious cases |
| Surrender (agreed exit) | None | Any date both parties agree in writing |
Process detail: how to end a periodic tenancy · Section 8 grounds · what makes a notice valid.
During the tenancy
| Event | Deadline | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Rent increase (Section 13) | 2 months' notice | Prescribed form; once in 12 months; takes effect at the start of a rent period |
| Tenant challenging an increase | Before the effective date | Referral to the First-tier Tribunal |
| Pet request response | 28 days | Landlord must answer in writing; refusal only where reasonable |
| Deposit protection | 30 days | Authorised scheme + prescribed information served |
| Landlord entry for inspection/repairs | 24 hours | Written notice, reasonable times, emergencies excepted |
The two mistakes these tables prevent
Most invalid notices fail on one of two errors: the wrong expiry date (a tenant's notice or a rent increase that doesn't land on the rent-period boundary) or the wrong form (informal letters where prescribed forms are required). Both trace back to the tenancy agreement – if it states the rent period and payment day cleanly, every date above becomes simple arithmetic.
Want the dates and figures worked out for you? Try the free notice period calculator and the free rent increase calculator.
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