Moving out if you're a protected tenant

If you've made your home with us for many years under an older, protected tenancy, this guide explains how giving notice works, in case you ever need it. There's nothing you need to do.

Take your time

A protected tenancy carries strong rights, so it's worth being sure of your next home before you give notice. Once a valid notice has been given, it can't simply be taken back. For free, independent advice, Shelter and Citizens Advice can help, and Age UK's advice line is free on 0800 678 1602.

Giving notice

• In writing. A notice to end your tenancy must be in writing (Protection from Eviction Act 1977, section 5). Your agreement may say how notices should be sent, so it's worth checking. Keep a copy of what you send.
• At least four weeks, and often more. Four weeks is the legal minimum (Protection from Eviction Act 1977, section 5). If your tenancy has carried on after a fixed term ended, and your original agreement didn't say how much notice to give, the law usually needs three months' notice (Rent Act 1977, section 3). Shelter, Citizens Advice or a solicitor can check your agreement with you before you give notice.
• The right day. Shelter's guidance is that a notice should end on the first or last day of a rental period, so usually on your rent day or the day before. Shelter or Citizens Advice can help you check the date.
• Share your tenancy? If someone else is named on it, please talk it through with them first, as your notice can affect them too.
• Want a different date? Just talk to us. A tenancy can also end by agreement between you and your landlord.

Any deposit

The government deposit protection schemes are for assured tenancies, so they don't cover a protected tenancy. If you paid a deposit when your tenancy began, it's dealt with under the terms of your agreement. It helps to mention it when you give notice.

The final details

• Read your gas and electricity meters on the day you leave and give the readings to your suppliers (Citizens Advice).
• Give us, and your suppliers, a forwarding address, so final letters and bills reach you.
• Return all your keys.

Find out more

• Regulated tenancies (Shelter England)
• Protection from Eviction Act 1977, section 5 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Rent Act 1977, section 3 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing options in later life (Age UK)
• Moving home: your energy supply (Citizens Advice)