Periodic Lease Termination Notice Template for England and Wales

A Periodic Lease Termination Notice is your legal tool for ending a periodic tenancy in England and Wales. Unlike fixed-term tenancies that end automatically, periodic tenancies continue rolling until one party serves proper notice. Whether you're a landlord seeking possession or a tenant wanting to move out, this document ensures you comply with statutory requirements under the Housing Act 1988 and related legislation.

When do you need this document?

You need this notice when you want to end a periodic tenancy that continues on a rolling basis after a fixed term expires or when the original agreement was periodic from the start. Landlords typically use this for Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) when they want vacant possession without alleging fault, while tenants use it to provide formal notice of their intention to vacate. The document is essential for statutory periodic tenancies that arise automatically when fixed terms expire, and for contractual periodic tenancies where rent is paid monthly, weekly, or at other regular intervals.

Key legal considerations

The notice period is critical and varies depending on who serves it. Landlords must give at least two months' notice for ASTs under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, while tenants typically need to give one rental period's notice. You must ensure the termination date doesn't fall mid-period – it should align with the end of a rental period. The notice must be in writing and include specific information such as property details, parties' names, and clear termination date. Proper service is crucial; the notice must be served correctly according to the tenancy agreement or statutory methods. For landlords, you must also comply with deposit protection requirements and provide mandatory documentation before serving notice, as introduced by the Deregulation Act 2015.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under England and Wales law, your notice must meet strict statutory criteria to be valid. The Housing Act 1988 requires landlords to use the correct prescribed form and cannot seek possession before the fixed term expires. You must ensure the property has the necessary safety certificates, deposit protection compliance, and that tenants have received the required documentation including How to Rent guide and Energy Performance Certificate. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 governs certain commercial elements, while the Housing Act 1996 provides additional tenant protections. Recent amendments require landlords to prove compliance with these obligations before courts will grant possession. Service must be by one of the methods specified in Section 196 of the Law of Property Act 1925 or as agreed in the tenancy agreement, with proper evidence of service retained.