Landlord Advice
Can tenants now leave with two months' notice?
Quick answer
Yes. In England, the Renters' Rights Act replaces fixed terms with rolling tenancies, so tenants can leave with two months' notice, even early on. Landlords, meanwhile, need a legal reason to end a tenancy. Short lets avoid this imbalance because there's no tenancy at all.
Written by Guy, Director at Renzo · Published · Last updated · 5 min read
What has changed for tenants?
Before, most tenancies started with a fixed term, often 12 months. That gave you a year where you knew the rent was coming in. Under the Renters' Rights Act, fixed terms are replaced by rolling periodic tenancies, and tenants can give two months' notice to leave whenever they like. The rules are being phased in, so check the latest government guidance for exact dates and details.
Why is this a headache for landlords?
It's the one sided part that stings. A tenant can walk away on two months' notice. You can't end the tenancy without one of the legal grounds, and even then there are notice periods and possibly a court date. We cover that side in Section 21 has gone.
So you've lost the guaranteed year, but you haven't gained any flexibility in return. It's a bit like signing a gym contract where the gym can't cancel you, but you can leave any month you fancy.
How does it affect planning?
If you've got 3 to 5 properties, you probably budget around them. Mortgage payments, maintenance, maybe a remortgage or sale in a few years. When any tenant can leave at short notice, you can't count on a full year of rent. And when you want the property back, you can't count on getting it quickly either.
That makes it harder to plan a sale, a refurbishment or moving family in. Honestly, for many of the landlords we talk to, the uncertainty bothers them more than the money.
How do short lets remove the problem?
A short let isn't a tenancy. Guests book set dates and leave on their checkout day. There's no notice either way, because there's nothing to give notice on. If a guest breaks the rules, they leave and they're charged.
At Renzo, you can block dates whenever you want for your own use or family visits. Our contracts are flexible too, so if you decide to stop, the property comes back to you empty and ready to sell, with no tenant to remove. That's the planning certainty most landlords are missing right now.
Does that mean income is guaranteed?
No, and I won't pretend otherwise. Short let income moves with the seasons. We average 80% occupancy across more than 50 properties, and we target longer bookings from contractors and relocating families to keep things steady. Landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let with us. But if you need the exact same figure every month, a long let may still suit you better. Our Airbnb vs buy to let comparison lays out the trade offs.
What should I do next?
Read our plain English summary of the Renters' Rights Act and our guide on getting more control as a landlord. If you're curious, ask us for a free income projection on one property before you change anything.
Find out what your property could earn
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FAQs
Can a tenant leave in the first few months?
Under the new rolling tenancies, tenants can generally give two months' notice at any time. Check the latest guidance for the exact rules.
Can I still end a tenancy?
Yes, but you'll need a legal ground, the right notice and possibly a court process.
Do short let guests give notice?
No. Guests book fixed dates and leave on their checkout day, because there's no tenancy.
Where does Renzo operate?
Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Newark on Trent.