How much notice does a landlord have to give?
Updated . Checked against official sources.
It depends on the reason. Since 1 May 2026, section 21 "no fault" notices have gone, so a landlord in England needs one of the legal grounds for possession, served on Form 3A. To sell or move in, that's 4 months' notice, and not in your first 12 months. For rent arrears it's 4 weeks. Even then, only a court can make you leave.
Notice periods by reason
| Notice | Reasons (grounds) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 4 months | Moving in (ground 1), selling (ground 1A) and some others | Can't end the tenancy in its first 12 months |
| 2 months | Including some job-related lettings, the death of a tenant (ground 7) and suitable alternative accommodation offered (ground 9) | |
| 4 weeks | Rent arrears (grounds 8, 10 and 11) and some others | Ground 8 needs at least 3 months' rent owed (13 weeks if paid weekly or fortnightly) |
| 2 weeks | Breaking the tenancy terms (ground 12), damage, and some others | |
| None | Serious anti-social behaviour (grounds 7A and 14) | The landlord can go to court straight away |
Moving in, selling and serious rent arrears (grounds 1, 1A and 8) are mandatory: if the landlord proves them, the court must grant possession. Most other grounds are discretionary, so the court decides whether it's reasonable.
What happened to section 21?
Landlords haven't been able to serve section 21 notices since 1 May 2026. Older section 21 notices could only be used to start a court claim up to 31 July 2026. Claims issued by then carry on, but an old notice can't be used for a new claim now.
Do I have to leave when the notice ends?
No. A notice is the start of the process, not an eviction. Your landlord has 12 months from serving it to start court proceedings. You only have to leave if a court makes a possession order, and if you stay past the date in the order, only court bailiffs can remove you. If leaving by that date would cause exceptional hardship, the court can delay it by up to 6 weeks.
Illegal eviction and harassment are crimes. Changing the locks, removing your belongings or forcing you out without a court order is against the law. Call the police if it's happening, and tell your council.
In a debt respite scheme ("breathing space") of up to 60 days, your landlord can't serve or act on an arrears notice.
My landlord says they're selling or moving in. Can they re-let?
Not for a while. After using either ground, the landlord can't let or market the home to someone else until 12 months after the date given in the notice, which is about 16 months from when you got the notice. Breaking that ban, or using these grounds when it isn't true, can mean a penalty of up to £40,000, and you may be able to claim back rent. Rent repayment orders.
How much notice do I have to give to leave?
At least 2 months, in writing (a letter, email or text). It must end on the day your rent is due or the day before. You can leave sooner if your landlord agrees in writing.
Get told when you can check your landlord
The government has said renters will be able to check whether a landlord is registered. We'll email you when that's possible, and if the rules on what you can see change. Nothing else.
Questions renters ask
How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant?
It depends on the reason: 4 months to sell or move in, 4 weeks for rent arrears, 2 weeks for breaking the tenancy terms, and none for serious anti-social behaviour. Section 21 no-fault notices ended on 1 May 2026.
Can my landlord evict me in the first year?
Not to sell or move in. Those grounds can't end a tenancy in its first 12 months. Other grounds, such as rent arrears, can be used at any time.
How much rent arrears before a landlord can evict?
For the mandatory arrears ground, at least 3 months' rent (13 weeks if you pay weekly or fortnightly), both when the notice is served and at the court hearing, with 4 weeks' notice.
Can my landlord still use section 21?
No. Section 21 notices can't be served since 1 May 2026, and older notices could only start a court claim up to 31 July 2026.
How much notice do I need to give my landlord?
At least 2 months, in writing, ending on a rent day or the day before. Less if your landlord agrees in writing.