I’m a landlord and I’ve given my tenants 4 months notice under section 8 because I’m moving back into the property. This notice was given after May 1st 2026. Do they also have to give me 2 months notice in return or once I served my notice, can they leave whenever they wish within those 4 months served?
If they want to give you notice because they are leaving they have to do that, default under RRA is 2 months plus time to end the day before a rental period (so if you rent monthly, the last day of previous month) so potentially just under 3 months. And pay rent up to.then.
They dont have to give notice. If you and they have agreed a shorter notice, or to end on an earlier date, you/they can do that but it has to be mutually agreed. (Under RRA you cant require a longer notice period as part of the tenancy). Meanwhile they keep paying the rent etc.
They may or may not leave by the date on the s8 notice, if it is valid. If its not valid you have to start again. If its valid but they then dont leave they keep paying the rent and the tenancy continues (exactly as before RRA). You then apply through the courts for possession up to and including getting possession via bailliffs.
Good luck
They should give notice it they want to leave early…But…
Be flexible. You have asked them to move, so if they can go sooner, try to accommodate it. Its not easy for them to arrange a move and time it perfect, and its better they leave early, than don’t leave at all, & you have to incur court costs & delays.
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