Move-Out Rules for Shared Housing Tenants in England

Moving out of shared housing in England involves specific rules regarding notice periods, responsibilities, and your tenancy deposit. Understanding these procedures can help you avoid disputes and ensure a smoother transition whether you’re moving on your own or alongside housemates.
Below you'll find key steps, relevant legislation, and official resources to help make your move stress-free and legally compliant.

What Counts as Shared Housing?

Shared housing typically refers to properties where two or more people, who are not from the same family, share facilities such as the kitchen or bathroom. This arrangement might be known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The rules discussed here apply to tenants in shared properties—whether your agreement is with other renters or is directly with the landlord.

Giving Notice to Leave

The process for giving notice depends on the type of tenancy you have. Most shared renters have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), the most common form of contract in England under the Housing Act 1988¹.

• Check your tenancy agreement for any fixed term or break clause specifying when you can give notice.
• If you have a periodic tenancy (rolling monthly or weekly), you typically must give at least one month’s notice in writing.
• If your tenancy is a joint one, all tenants may need to agree to end it, unless stated otherwise in the agreement.

How to Give Notice

Always provide notice in writing, stating clearly your intended move-out date. Keep a copy for your records. If you’re unsure, see official government guidance on ending your tenancy.

Move-Out Responsibilities in Shared Houses

When preparing to leave:

• Clean your room and any shared areas you used.
• Remove all personal belongings.
• Return all sets of keys to the landlord or letting agent.
• Settle any outstanding bills or communal payments.

If you share responsibility for communal areas, make sure they are left tidy—even if you were not the last to use them. Your landlord is entitled to deduct from the tenancy deposit if the property is not left in good condition, aside from fair wear and tear.

Tenancy Deposit Returns

For ASTs, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme such as:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• mydeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

After you move out, the landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you'll get back.

Disputing Deposit Deductions

If you and your landlord disagree about the amount to be returned, you can use the dispute resolution service provided by your deposit protection scheme. See the official guidance on resolving tenancy deposit disputes.

Relevant Tribunal and Forms

If you have unresolved disputes—such as notice not being accepted or unfair deposit deductions—you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England.

• Form: Tribunal Application (Form T601)
  Use this form to make a claim regarding tenancy disputes, such as disagreements over notice or deposit deductions.
  For example: If your landlord refuses to return your tenancy deposit and you have already used the scheme’s dispute service, you may submit Form T601 – Application to the Tribunal to start proceedings.

Summary of Move-Out Steps

In summary, moving out from shared housing involves:

• Checking your tenancy agreement and giving the correct notice in writing
• Fulfilling all cleaning and handover responsibilities
• Ensuring all outstanding bills are paid and personal items removed
• Organising the return (or dispute) of your protected tenancy deposit

1. What happens if only one person wants to move out of a joint tenancy?
   If you have a joint tenancy and one person wishes to leave, typically all tenants must end the tenancy together unless your agreement says otherwise. Sometimes, the landlord may allow a replacement tenant—always check with your landlord before anyone moves out.
2. How much notice do I need to give to leave shared housing?
   Most rolling tenancies require you to give at least one month’s notice in writing. Your tenancy agreement may specify a different period—always check the contract first.
3. Can my landlord keep my deposit if a housemate caused damage?
   The landlord can deduct reasonable costs for damage from the overall deposit. With joint deposits, all tenants share responsibility unless the landlord agrees to split the deduction fairly.
4. What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
   If your deposit is protected, use the scheme’s dispute process. If you remain unsatisfied, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for help.
5. What official notice do I need to give when ending my tenancy?
   You usually don’t need to use an official form, but notice must be in writing. Use email or letter, and keep proof. For more guidance, see how to end your tenancy officially.

Key Takeaways for Shared Housing Tenants

• Always provide written notice following your contract’s rules
• Ensure you meet all responsibilities for cleaning and returning keys
• Use deposit protection and official dispute channels if needed

Planning your move and knowing your rights can greatly reduce issues when you’re leaving shared housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Private Renting: Official Government Guidance
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — handles tenancy disputes in England
• Shelter England — free independent advice for renters
• Citizens Advice: Housing — information and support for tenants

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1. Housing Act 1988 (England and Wales) — Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies

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