Section 21 notice - what date to put in Form 6A?

[Cautious_Landlord]

Hi

I am having to serve a Section 21 notice using form 6A for the first time and would like some advice please.

My tenants’ AST contact will be ending on the 5th of September (as their 1 year contract was from 6 September 2023 – 5 September 2024). They gave me their notice to quit at the end of the contract in June. However, I suspect that they may try to stay on for an additional period while looking for another place after the AST finishes.

Consequently, I would like to give them a Section 21 notice as soon as I can using form 6A:

Assured tenancy forms

Given the minimum 2 month notice period, when I fill in the 6A form what date should I use for the section about

2. You are required to leave the below address after:

???

Specifically, if I post the letter tomorrow, 24 July, would the 30th of September be allowed?

Or would it be best to write the 6th of October. My reason for the 6th of October is that the last day of the AST is the 5th of September so their rolling one month contract will end on the 5th of October.

Also, I would appreciate any advice as to what would be suitable as photographic proof of posting. I plan on posting the form together with a covering letter from a Post Office, but am unsure as to the best way to proceed.

Many thanks!

[David122]

Does your tenancy agreement say anything about whether a tenant can serve notice during the fixed/initial term? If not then the tenants notice is invalid. Your notice has to be a minimum of a bare 2 calendar months. I’d add a few days to that for comfort, especially if serving the notice by post.

[Cautious_Landlord]

Thank you for your feedback.

Luckily, things have worked out okay and the tenant is due to leave soon.