Termination Of Tenancy Template for England and Wales

An ending a tenancy letter is the written notice or agreement that formally closes a residential tenancy in England and Wales. It records who is ending the tenancy, the date the tenancy ends, the notice given, and the practical terms for leaving the property. Whether you are a landlord seeking vacant possession or a tenant confirming your departure, putting this in writing protects both parties and creates a clear record under the Housing Act 1988 and related housing law.

What should an ending a tenancy letter include?

A clear letter leaves no room for dispute about dates or money. Cover these points:

• The full names of the landlord and tenant and the property address.
• The tenancy end date and the notice period being given.
• Whether notice is served under the tenancy terms or by mutual agreement.
• The reason for ending the tenancy, where one is required by the grounds relied on.
• Arrangements for returning the property in its required condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
• The deposit return process, including inspection, timelines and any proposed deductions.
• Outstanding rent, utilities and service charges, with a final figure where possible.
• Arrangements to return keys, access for a final inspection, and a forwarding address and email for future contact.

You can adapt our tenancy agreement to match the terms you are ending.

When do you need this document?

You'll require an ending a tenancy letter when closing an assured periodic tenancy or other residential arrangement in England. Wales operates separate occupation contracts. This covers cases where statutory notice has been served or received under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 as amended, where both parties have agreed to end the tenancy, or where a fixed-term tenancy expires without renewal. It also applies after a breach of tenancy terms, or where circumstances change and the tenant needs to vacate the property. Estate agents and managing agents use these letters so the right procedures are followed during tenant transitions.

Notice from a landlord or from a tenant

A notice from a landlord ends the tenancy on a date set by the relevant statutory grounds and must give the correct notice period for those grounds. A tenant's notice confirms the date they will leave and references the terms of the tenancy agreement. Either way, the section notice or agreed end must state the reason where one is needed, the end date, and what happens to the deposit. Keep the letter aligned with the term and conditions already set out in the original agreement so nothing is contradicted at the point of departure.

How do you write a professional ending a tenancy letter?

Keep the tone factual and the facts complete. State the tenancy end date in the opening line, confirm the notice you are giving, and set out the deposit and final payment position so the other party knows exactly what to expect. Send it in writing, keep a dated copy, and where you email it, keep the email as your record of service. A professional letter does the practical work: it confirms the tenancy end, sets the leaving date, and lists what each side must do before anyone hands back the keys.

Key legal considerations

Several legal elements shape your letter. It must state the exact termination date and respect the minimum notice periods set by housing legislation. Set out how the property should be returned, addressing any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Deposit return must comply with tenancy deposit protection scheme requirements, with clear timelines for inspection and deductions. Outstanding rent, utilities and service charges need careful calculation and agreement. Set out how and when the tenant must return keys, access arrangements for a final inspection, and a forwarding address and email for future correspondence. Where relevant, add provisions for ongoing maintenance responsibilities and for handling any property left behind.

Does the law affect how you end a tenancy?

Your letter must fit the statutory rules for England and Wales. The Housing Act 1988 governs most residential tenancies and sets mandatory notice periods and procedures. The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 prohibits harassment and illegal eviction, so possession must follow a proper process. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 on 1 May 2026, so the Deregulation Act 2015 conditions no longer gate a notice. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets obligations on property condition and repair that can affect the terms you record. Deposit protection under the Housing Act 2004 requires deposits to be held in a government-approved scheme throughout the tenancy and during the ending process. The terms in your original tenancy agreement set the starting point for the letter you draft.