Notice to Quit for Landlords
A notice to quit is used to end a periodic tenancy. For most residential landlords with assured shorthold tenancies, a Section 8 notice is the correct notice to use.
We advise on the correct notice for your tenancy type, draft and serve notices, and handle possession proceedings if the tenant does not vacate.
The Law Explained
What is a Notice to Quit?
A notice to quit is a formal notice used to end a periodic tenancy — a tenancy that runs week to week or month to month with no fixed end date. It can be served by either the landlord or the tenant.
For landlords, a notice to quit is only appropriate for common law tenancies — tenancies that do not qualify as assured shorthold tenancies. The vast majority of residential tenancies in England are assured shorthold tenancies, for which a Section 8 notice is the correct notice.
If you are unsure which type of tenancy you have or which notice to serve, we can advise. Serving the wrong notice can invalidate your possession claim and cause significant delay.
Most Landlords Need Section 8
If your tenant has an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) — which is the standard residential tenancy in England — you cannot use a notice to quit. You must use a Section 8 notice.
Section 8 Notice GuideComparison
Notice to Quit vs Section 8 Notice
| Aspect | Notice to Quit | Section 8 Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy type | Common law periodic tenancy | Assured shorthold tenancy (AST) |
| Reason required | No reason required | Must specify grounds (e.g. rent arrears) |
| Notice period | 4 weeks minimum (weekly) / 1 rental period (monthly) | 2 weeks (Ground 8) or 2 months (most grounds) |
| Court order needed | Yes, if tenant does not vacate | Yes, if tenant does not vacate |
| Most common use | Rare — only for non-AST tenancies | Standard for all residential landlords |
Notice Periods
Notice to Quit — Requirements
Weekly Tenancy
4 weeks (28 days)
The notice must expire on the last day of a rental week.
Monthly Tenancy
1 calendar month
The notice must expire on the last day of a rental month. Minimum 4 weeks.
Quarterly Tenancy
1 quarter
The notice must expire on the last day of a rental quarter.
Yearly Tenancy
6 months
The notice must expire on the last day of a rental year.
Important: A notice to quit must be in writing, must be addressed to the tenant by name, must specify the date on which the tenancy is to end, and must be correctly served. Errors in the notice can invalidate it. We recommend instructing a solicitor to ensure the notice is correctly drafted and served.
FAQs
Notice to Quit — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a notice to quit?
What is the notice period for a landlord notice to quit?
What is the difference between a notice to quit and a Section 8 notice?
Can a landlord serve a notice to quit on an assured shorthold tenancy?
Does a notice to quit end the tenancy automatically?
Get Advice
Speak to a Landlord Solicitor
Free initial enquiry. We advise on the correct notice for your tenancy type and handle possession proceedings if required.
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