skip to main content
Text size:

All you need to know about how to end a tenancy.

Ending a tenancy

There are legal processes that define how a tenancy can be brought to an end. This guidance explains what they are. It is prescriptive but only when it needs to because of what the law says.
 
Sometimes it is clear that prompt action is needed to bring a tenancy to an end (if a property has been abandoned for example).  On other occasions it is a matter of judgement - taking into account that formal enforcement action often isn’t the best way to resolve an issue.
 
This guidance doesn’t cover making those judgements even though they are often not easy. It sets out the steps that are necessary once a decision has been made to take steps to end a tenancy.  If in doubt about whether to take possession action talk it over within your team or with your manager.

Read the full guidance here.

A tenant can lose their security of tenure if they;

  • sub-let the whole of their property; or
  • stop using it as their only or main home.
     

If it has become clear that either of these situations apply the contractual tenancy can be ended with a Notice to Quit. This also has a prescribed format which is on NEC and an example here.
 
It is often a good idea to serve a without prejudice NOSP at the same time and you can find the template for this in the same places.

Last updated: 24 April 2023