Notice periods in England during 2025
For most private renters in England, the notice period depends on the legal route used by the landlord and the type of tenancy. A notice is not the same as an eviction order: if you do not leave, the landlord normally needs a court order and authorised enforcement before you can be removed.
- A landlord using Section 21 generally must give at least two months’ notice, provided the legal requirements for that route have been met.
- A Section 8 notice usually gives between two weeks and two months, depending on the ground relied on and the circumstances.
- A fixed-term tenant can normally stay until the agreed end date unless the agreement contains a valid break clause or the landlord uses a lawful possession procedure.
- A periodic tenant who wishes to leave usually gives one complete tenancy period’s notice, subject to the agreement and statutory rules.
Section 21 notices
A Section 21 notice is commonly called a “no-fault” notice because the landlord does not usually need to prove a breach of the tenancy. For an assured shorthold tenancy, Form 6A is the prescribed notice in England. The landlord generally needs to give at least two months’ notice and may need to have provided documents such as the gas safety record, energy performance certificate and government renting guide.
Check the notice date, property address, tenancy details and the way it was served. A Section 21 notice may be invalid if important legal requirements were not met, if a prohibited fee or deposit issue applies, or if the landlord is prevented from using the procedure because of certain repair complaints or other restrictions. If the notice expires, the landlord still normally needs a possession order before enforcement.
Section 8 notices
A Section 8 notice is used where the landlord relies on one or more legal grounds, such as rent arrears, serious tenancy breaches, damage or certain circumstances affecting the landlord. The notice should identify the grounds and state the earliest court application date. The notice period varies: some grounds require at least two weeks, while others require two months or a different period.
For example, a landlord relying on substantial rent arrears may use a mandatory ground if the arrears meet the required threshold at the relevant dates. The court will consider the evidence and procedure. A tenant who receives a Section 8 notice should check the arrears calculation, gather payment records and seek help quickly rather than ignoring the paperwork.
Rent increases and notice periods
During a fixed term, rent normally cannot be increased unless the agreement allows it or you agree to a change. For a periodic assured shorthold tenancy, a landlord may use Form 4 under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. The notice period is usually at least one month for monthly rent, but it can be longer where rent is paid over a longer period.
- Compare the proposed amount with the current rent and check the date on which the increase is said to start.
- Check whether the correct rent increase form was used and whether the notice was served correctly.
- Keep the tenancy agreement, rent statements and correspondence showing previous payments.
- If you believe the increase is above the open-market rent, ask the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) about a possible challenge before the relevant deadline.
What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 means for notice periods
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces important reforms intended to change the private rented sector in England, including ending Section 21 possession and moving most assured tenancies towards a periodic model. These changes do not necessarily apply immediately on the date the Act is passed. Commencement regulations and official guidance determine when each reform starts, so check the current GOV.UK position before relying on a future notice rule.
Until a relevant reform is in force, the existing Housing Act 1988 procedures may continue to apply. A notice served before a change takes effect may also be subject to transitional rules. Keep the notice and tenancy documents, and obtain current advice if the proposed move-out date crosses a commencement date.
Official forms and practical examples
- Form 6A: the prescribed Section 21 notice for an assured shorthold tenancy; for example, a tenant can use the form details to check the notice period and stated possession date.
- Section 8 notice: the landlord’s notice setting out possession grounds; a tenant should compare the grounds and dates with the rent ledger and tenancy agreement.
- Form 4: the prescribed Section 13 rent increase notice; a monthly tenant should check that the proposed start date allows the required notice period.
- Form N5B: the landlord’s accelerated possession claim form for certain Section 21 cases; it is a court form, not a notice that a tenant must complete, but receiving a copy means court deadlines need urgent attention.
How to respond when a notice arrives
Read every page and write down the date you received the notice. Check whether the landlord used the correct procedure, whether the notice period is long enough and whether supporting documents were provided. Do not stop paying rent simply because you dispute the notice, unless an adviser gives you specific advice to do so.
- Save the tenancy agreement, notices, rent receipts, bank statements, repair reports and messages.
- Calculate the deadline from the date and method of service, not only from the date printed on the document.
- Contact a housing adviser, council homelessness team or legal representative as soon as possible.
- If court papers arrive, complete the response promptly and attend any hearing unless the court tells you otherwise.
FAQ
- How much notice does a landlord give under Section 21?
- Usually at least two months for an assured shorthold tenancy, provided the legal requirements for Section 21 have been met and no transitional rule changes the position.
- Can a landlord evict me immediately after the notice expires?
- No. If you remain in the property, the landlord normally needs a possession order and authorised enforcement before eviction can take place.
- What should I do if a Section 8 notice contains incorrect rent arrears?
- Collect rent records and payment evidence, notify the landlord of any error, and obtain urgent housing advice because court deadlines can be short.
- Can I challenge a rent increase?
- You may be able to challenge a Section 13 increase at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), subject to eligibility and the application deadline.
How-To
- Read the notice and identify whether it is a Section 21, Section 8 or rent increase notice.
- Gather your tenancy agreement, payment records, deposit information and all related messages.
- Write down the service date, stated deadline and any court hearing date.
- Contact an official housing advice service or qualified adviser before the deadline.
- Respond to court papers and attend the hearing if possession proceedings are issued.
Help and Support / Resources
- GOV.UK private renting guidance explains key rights and responsibilities for tenants in England.
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) provides official information about residential property applications and rent disputes.
- Find your local council to contact the homelessness and housing team if you may lose your home.
