The Renters' Right Act: A LUSU Rundown (Pt.3)
Tuesday 12-05-2026 - 09:28
Part 3: Leaving Your Room Early
After a week off for a small sporting fixture (what colour are Roses??), we’re back on the train telling you all about the Renters’ Rights Act! (Remember you can read the full doc here).
Last time we covered how your landlord may choose to end your tenancy on their terms, now we flip the script and discuss your new rights to exit your tenancy when it works for you.
Quick recap!
From May 1st, all tenancies for HMO and smaller properties became periodic only, including contracts you are currently in, and ones you have signed for next year – no more fixed term contracts with set end dates, these can go on and on and on until you serve notice to leave, or your landlord issues a Ground 4a eviction notice.
This is live now!
How to serve notice
You must give at least two months’ notice to your landlord in writing via your usual channels of communication – usually email. Simple as that!
Things to consider first:
- If one tenant decides to leave the tenancy early, all housemates will be evicted early too, meaning you should all reach an agreement before deciding to go ahead.
- Make sure to serve your notice the day before your rent is due so that you don’t end up paying more than the two months’ rent.
- If you have a contract that hasn’t commenced yet, you cannot serve notice until the first day of the tenancy agreement starting.
Why might you want to leave early?
Loads of reasons!
- If your exams are early in the year, you might want to leave straight after them to save money.
- You may live a manageable distance away when you’re not regularly required on campus in your final term, commuting could be cheaper than renting.
- Your property may be in disrepair and so you want to get out of it.
- You may have disputes with your housemates and want to go your separate ways.
And more – basically, you don’t need any big reason to choose to leave your tenancy, the choice is in your hands to leave whenever best suits you and the rest of your housemates!
Next week: Cats the Musical (getting a pet)
