When a tenancy needs to be brought to an end, landlords must follow a formal process to ensure they comply with the law and protect their rights. One of the most important steps in this process is serving a Notice to Quit Letter.

This document is used to formally notify a tenant that they must vacate a rental property by a specific date and address a breach of the tenancy agreement, such as unpaid rent.

What is a Notice to Quit?

A Notice to Quit is a written statement from a landlord to a tenant stating that their tenancy is being terminated. It can be used:

• To end a periodic tenancy (a rolling week-to-week or month-to-month agreement)
• To demand that the tenant vacate due to breach of contract
• As part of legal requirements before applying to court for possession of the property

It differs from Section 21 and Section 8 notices (used in England and Wales under assured shorthold tenancies) in that it can be used in other types of tenancies, such as excluded tenancies or licences.

When Should You Use a Notice to Quit?

Use a Notice to Quit when:

• A tenant has breached the agreement, e.g. failed to pay rent, caused damage, or engaged in anti-social behaviour
• The tenancy is not an assured shorthold tenancy, such as when the tenant shares living space with the landlord
• You need to formally end a rolling tenancy that has no fixed term

The notice period required depends on the type of tenancy and the circumstances. For example, four weeks’ notice is typically required under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 for most residential occupiers.

Always check whether you are required to use a Section 21 or Section 8 notice instead, particularly in England and Wales.

Section 8 vs Section 21 vs Notice to Quit – What’s the Difference?

When ending a tenancy in the UK, it’s important to use the correct type of notice. Section 8, Section 21, and a Notice to Quit all serve different purposes, and using the wrong one could delay possession or make the process invalid.

1. Section 8 Notice – Fault-Based Eviction

A Section 8 notice is used when the tenant has breached the terms of the tenancy agreement. Common grounds include:

• Rent arrears
• Anti-social behaviour
• Damage to the property
• Breach of other specific tenancy terms

Landlords must state the legal grounds for eviction under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. The notice period varies depending on the grounds but is usually two weeks to two months. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord must apply to court for possession.

Use Section 8 Notice when: The tenant has broken the agreement and you want to evict them based on a legal fault.

2. Section 21 Notice – No-Fault Eviction

A Section 21 notice allows landlords to regain possession without giving a reason, as long as it is served correctly and all legal requirements have been met (e.g., deposit protection, energy certificates, how-to-rent guide).

It can only be used for assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales. A minimum of two months’ notice must be given, and the tenancy must be outside of any fixed term (i.e. periodic) or at the end of the fixed term.

Use Section 21 Notice when: You simply want your property back and the tenancy is an AST.

3. Notice to Quit – For Non-AST or Excluded Occupiers

A Notice to Quit is used to end non-AST tenancies, including:

• Licence agreements (e.g. lodgers living with the landlord)
• Excluded tenancies (where the tenant shares living space with the landlord)
• Periodic tenancies not governed by Housing Act 1988

This notice is usually four weeks unless the agreement says otherwise. It can be used for breaches, or to end a rolling agreement. The notice should include clear dates and reasons if there is a breach.

Use Notice to Quit when: The tenancy is not an AST, such as when the tenant shares the property with the landlord or is on a licence.

Summary

What Should Be Included in a Notice to Quit?

To be legally valid, a Notice to Quit should contain:

• Name of the tenant
• Property address
• Reference to the tenancy agreement and date it began
• Notice period and the exact date the tenancy will end
• Grounds for termination, e.g. non-payment of rent or serious breach
• Any obligations the tenant must fulfil before leaving
• Warning of possible legal action if the tenant fails to leave
• Landlord’s contact details
• A request for written acknowledgment

How to Create a Notice to Quit with Bind

Bind makes it simple to create a correct tenancy notices in just minutes. Start here and answer a few quick questions about your tenancy. The platform will generate a tailored Notice to Quit that complies with UK housing laws and can be downloaded and sent immediately.

Whether you're ending a rolling tenancy or dealing with a breach of contract, Bind gives you peace of mind that the process is done properly.

Notice to Quit Letter – Free Template

Dear [Name],

Re: Formal Notice to Quit – Termination of Tenancy

I write to formally serve you with this Notice to Quit in respect of the premises at [Address] (the “Property”).

NOTICE PERIOD
You entered into a tenancy agreement on [Date]. I hereby give you [Number] days’ notice to vacate the Property. Your tenancy will end on [Date].

GROUNDS
This notice is issued due to [Specify].

OBLIGATIONS UPON VACATING
On or before the termination date, you are required to:
1. Vacate the Property and remove all personal belongings.
2. Leave the Property clean and in a tenantable condition.
3. Pay any outstanding rent and charges due.

Failure to vacate the Property by the termination date may result in legal proceedings, together with any applicable costs and damages.

Should you have any queries in relation to this notice, please contact me.

Kindly acknowledge receipt of this notice in writing.

Sincerely,

Summary

A Notice to Quit is a critical step in ending certain tenancies lawfully. When issued correctly, it helps landlords recover possession of their property while maintaining compliance with UK housing law.