How much notice do I give to leave a rented room?
Start with the tenancy type and the agreement. Renting a room, or sharing a building with the landlord, does not by itself settle the notice rules.
Assured periodic tenancies in England
Check the agreed notice period. GOV.UK’s tenant guidance says a landlord cannot require more than two months; if the agreement states no period, give at least two months. A shorter period or earlier end can be agreed in writing.
Give notice in writing, for example by letter, email or text, and keep a copy. The landlord cannot require a particular method. The tenancy should end on the rent-due day or the day before. Rent remains payable during the notice period unless an earlier release is agreed.
If the tenancy started before 1 May 2026
A shorter notice period in an older agreement may still apply, depending on the previous tenancy and its terms. A valid notice given before 1 May can also remain effective. Check the specific transitional guidance rather than assuming every tenant must now give two months.
If you live with a resident landlord
GOV.UK distinguishes excluded occupiers from occupiers with basic protection. Sharing a kitchen, bathroom or living room with the landlord or their family can affect the position. A letting can be a tenancy or a licence; it is not automatically a licence because the landlord lives there.
When a lodger wants to leave, the agreement and any fixed term matter. GOV.UK says a lodger cannot normally end a fixed term by notice unless there is a break clause; both sides can agree an end. Its ending-a-letting guidance treats the lodger’s notice separately from the resident landlord’s notice. Do not assume the same period applies in both directions.
Leaving early or sharing a joint tenancy
Ask promptly about an agreed early end and record the agreed end date and rent position in writing. A replacement occupier is not an automatic release. For a joint assured tenancy, one tenant’s notice can usually end the tenancy for everyone; check the official joint-tenancy guidance before sending it.
If the landlord asks you to leave
For an assured periodic tenancy, the landlord needs a valid possession ground and the correct notice. The period depends on the ground. If you remain after notice expires, the landlord must use the court process rather than remove you by force. See GOV.UK’s possession guidance. Older notices or proceedings can need transitional advice; other tenancy types have different procedures.
General England guidance; sources checked 15 October 2026. If your agreement, tenancy type or notice is disputed, get advice before relying on a general summary. See also lodger or tenant and tenancy agreements.
Ours
Two months' notice, as the law says, and we're flexible when a contract ends early and we can re-let. How renting with us works →