End of tenancy
The end of a tenancy is the legal point at which a tenant’s right to occupy the rental property under that tenancy comes to an end and your right to regain possession or grant a new tenancy begins. It can happen in several ways:
Tenant notice on a periodic tenancy, given in line with the agreement and statute.
Mutual surrender, where both sides agree to end early, ideally recorded in writing.
Expiry of a fixed term, followed by move-out or automatic continuation on a periodic basis, depending on the Renters’ Rights Act rules.
Court order for possession, where you rely on one of the statutory grounds and the court grants possession.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, the traditional “no-fault” Section 21 route is removed, so most landlord-initiated ends of tenancy rely on specific possession grounds and proper notice. Grounds for possession include as serious rent arrears, landlord selling or moving in) and proper notice period.
From a landlord’s perspective, managing the end of tenancy means. Confirming dates in writing, arranging check-out report, meter readings and key return, inspecting the property, agreeing deposit deductions, if any, with evidence, and ensuring any re-letting complies with safety, standards and advertising rules. A tenancy is not truly “ended” until the tenant has vacated and you have lawful possession.
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