A tenant's notice to quit, and withdrawing one

A tenant ends a tenancy by giving notice to quit in writing.

Who this is for: letting agencies, landlords and tenants.

Giving notice to leave from your tenancy.

What you are deciding

If you are the tenant: the date you want the tenancy to end, and whether to withdraw a notice you have given.

Your options

• At least two months' notice. The end date must be a day rent is due, or the day before. A date that passes both checks is recorded.
• A shorter date. Only if the landlord agrees in writing. On a joint tenancy, every named tenant must be party to that agreement as well as the landlord.
• Withdraw the notice. Each side records its own written agreement. The notice is withdrawn only when both the tenant and the landlord or agent have done so.
• Joint tenants. A notice from one joint tenant is recorded against the whole tenancy.

How to do it

1. As the tenant, open your tenancy and select Leaving.
2. Enter the date you want the tenancy to end. You are told straight away if the date does not pass the checks.
3. Send the notice. Your landlord or agent is told, and you keep a dated copy.
4. To withdraw, select the option to withdraw and record your agreement. The notice stays in place until the other side records theirs.

A worked example

Rent is due on the 1st. On Tuesday 10 November 2026 a tenant gives notice. The earliest end date that passes the checks is Sunday 31 January 2027: it is more than two months away and is the day before a rent day. On Monday 23 November she changes her mind and records that she agrees to withdraw. The notice is still shown as live. Her agent records the landlord's agreement on Wednesday 25 November 2026, and the notice is then shown as withdrawn by written agreement, with both names.

What Abide.Rent does for you

• Checks the end date as it is entered.
• Tells the landlord or agent, and shows them the date the tenancy ends.
• Records each side's agreement to a withdrawal separately, and withdraws the notice only when both are in.
• Records the notice and the dates. It does not decide whether a notice is effective.

If something goes wrong

• “Only a named tenant can give notice.”
  What to do: The tenant gives notice from their own portal.
• “Give at least two months' notice here, or ask the landlord or agent …”
  What to do: Choose a later date, or agree an earlier one in writing.
• “Confirm that every named tenant has agreed in writing to withdraw the notice.”
  What to do: All tenants must agree to withdraw.

Common mistakes

• Choosing an end date in the middle of a rent period.
• Assuming a withdrawal has happened because you asked for it. It needs the other side's written agreement too.
• One joint tenant giving notice without telling the other. It is recorded against the whole tenancy.

What to do next

• Go to your dashboard
• See your notices and letters
• Open a ticket