Tenancy notice

[Mani11]

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice 🙏
I’m in a difficult situation with my landlord and not sure what my options are. Today is the last day of my yearly contract. I had already told her more than 2 months ago that I’m planning to move, but I haven’t been able to find a suitable place yet (I have young kids in school so I need something nearby, which has made it harder).
Today I messaged to say I’m hoping to move by the end of this month, but she replied saying I need to give a full 2 months’ written notice from the rent date.
The problem is I simply can’t afford to pay rent on two places at the same time, and realistically new landlords don’t agree to hold a property for 1–2 months before move-in. So I feel completely stuck.
I’ve been fully cooperative — she’s already sent someone to take photos and I’m happy to allow viewings anytime so the property can be re-let quickly.
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Is there any way around the 2-month notice?
What does a proper “written notice” actually need to include?
Can I legally leave with 1 month’s notice in this situation?
Any advice or experiences would really help 🙏
Thank you so

My advice is find your copy of your tenancy agreement and find shelter tomorrow for some expert advice

You need to email or write stating you are giving two months’ notice as of x date and you plan to move out by x+2. you are liable to pay rent and bills until that date unless you can negotiate with ll if they can find someone to move in sooner but they are obliged to agree I’m afraid. The only way to avoid it is if the ll has somehow failed in their statutory duty, such as not protecting the deposit or provided correct paperwork during the tenancy.

Assuming you are in England of course. Shelter can explain.

I am in London. What is shelter where is it please?

It is a housing advice charity, https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice

The rules change today so what ever your agreement was is no longer valid. it's a month notice. She can also not give you notice for no reason.

Two months.

incorrect, it is 2 months aligned with the tenancy rental period date.

You have to give written notice, that will be stipulated in your tenancy agreement i’m afraid.

Two months written notice from today, which will be the same for everyone renting. With this in mind I would imagine other LLs wanting to rent will take this into consideration when accepting a new tenant. It would likely always happen that you would have to pay 2 separate rents or at last your old rent and a new place deposit in one month when choosing to move. You would then get back your first deposit, assuming you have looked after the place.

You needed to have given written notice, not say vaguely that "I'm planning to move".

As of today, that needs to be two months' written notice.

If you want to end the tenancy

You will be able to end the tenancy at any point by giving your landlord notice. This must be done:

• so the tenancy ends on a day when the rent is due or the day before the rent is due

• in writing, for example, by letter or email

You will need to give your landlord at least 2 months’ notice. You can agree a shorter notice period with the landlord in writing, as long as any other tenants named on the tenancy agreement also agree

The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026

Is it normal for a property manager/landlord to ignore messages?
For example, my stove hob was broken and after reporting it (that the engineer said it was the company’s fault), it finally got fixed after 2 weeks. I messaged to confirm it was repaired, and my messages like others before have just been ignored.
I’m finding it a bit frustrating and honestly a bit disrespectful. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is this normal or should I be following up different way!!

Did you request an acknowledgement? Did you follow up with a phonecall?

Yes you need to give two months notice in writing.

No as she most of the time doesn’t answer

You wanted acknowledgement that it was fixed? I'm not certain if you've taken advice but, from today,you need to give 2 months written notice to vacate. The notice has to end the day before your rent date.

I messaged to confirm it was repaired, and my messages like others before have just been ignored.

Do you mean you messaged them to tell them that it had been repaired? If so, why do you expect a response?

Check your contract to find the date of each month rent is due. Then you need to give 2 months written notice from that date or day before that date. Those are new rules under RRA. One of my tenants gave notice yesterday. She is in a 2 bedroom and wants a 3 bedroom. She gave me 2 months notice on the last day of the month. Her rent date is 1st of month. I already have a new tenant lined up from my waiting list.

Also in those two months you will need to view and find another property to live in and go through all finance and vetting checks which can take weeks.

So I sent it 30st April and gave notice that I will leave 30th Jun. Does this work?

What date is your rent due?

I had already told her more than 2 months ago that I’m planning to move, but I haven’t been able to find a suitable place yet.

@Mani11 I'm confused - did you give formal written notice more than two months ago, or just mention that you were looking for a new place?

If you didn't give formal written notice, give your two months' notice now. I don't think you can avoid the two months rent.

When is your rent date?

Thank you for your advice. It’s my first time that rented a property and leaving it as I used to leave with kids father. My tenancy finished 30th April I sent a formal letter dated 30 April and noticed that I will leave 30th Jun. Some say should have sent 29April which I don’t know what is going to happen I sent one day late on 30th

30th April