Plans change. You might decide you don't want to live with the same people anymore, find somewhere else you'd rather live or need to move for personal, financial or academic reasons. ‍What you need to do next depends on what type of agreement you have and whether your tenancy has started.

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Before advertising your room, stopping your rent or assuming you can leave, check your agreement and speak to your landlord or accommodation provider.

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What if my tenancy hasn't started yet?

Signing an agreement usually means you've made a commitment, even if you haven't moved in yet. If you've changed your mind, contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible and explain that you no longer want to take the property.

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Depending on your agreement and circumstances, they might agree to release you or ask you to find someone else to take your place.

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Don't assume that simply telling your landlord you no longer want the room ends your agreement. Make sure you've got confirmation in writing about what's been agreed.

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What if I need to find someone to take my place?

If your landlord or accommodation provider agrees to a replacement tenant, ask them what their process is before you start looking. You may need to:

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• advertise the available room

• find someone who meets the landlord's requirements

• introduce them to the other tenants if you're joining an existing household

• arrange any checks the landlord requires

• complete paperwork to change the agreement

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You could advertise the room through Studentpad, which has a messageboard for students looking for accommodation and housemates (Password LEMMY).

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You could also use other accommodation websites or student groups, but be careful when sharing personal information or dealing with people you don't know. Read our advice on where to find student accommodation in Exeter.

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Can I be charged for changing who's on the tenancy?

Possibly. If you ask for a change to an existing tenancy, such as replacing one person with another, your landlord or agent can normally charge up to £50 for the work involved. If their reasonable costs are higher than £50, they can charge more, but they should be able to show you evidence of those costs.

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Check the current rules on tenancy change fees on GOV.UK.

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Before paying anything, ask what the charge is for.

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What happens to my deposit if someone replaces me?

Don't assume your deposit will automatically be returned as soon as you've found another person. How this works can depend on the type of agreement, how the replacement is being handled and how your deposit is protected. Before the change happens, ask the landlord or agent:

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• when you'll stop being responsible for the tenancy

• when your deposit will be returned

• whether the replacement tenant pays a new deposit

• whether the deposit protection details need to be updated

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Make sure the change is properly recorded and keep copies of anything you've agreed.

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‍What if my tenancy has already started?

If you're renting a house or flat from a private landlord, you'll usually now have an assured periodic tenancy. These tenancies run on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date, and you can end yours by giving the correct notice.

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Your agreement or contract should tell you how much notice you need to give. Your landlord can't require more than two months' notice. If your agreement gives you a shorter notice period, you may only need to give that shorter amount.

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If your agreement doesn't say how much notice you need to give, you'll normally need to give at least two months' notice.

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Check the GOV.UK guidance on ending an assured periodic tenancy.

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When does my notice need to end?

Your notice needs to end either:

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• on a day your rent is due, or

• the day before your rent is due.

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For example, if your rent is due on the 15th of every month, your notice would normally need to end on the 14th or 15th. This is worth checking carefully before sending your notice so you know when your responsibility for the rent will end.

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How should I give notice?

Your notice needs to be in writing. This could be by letter, email or text. Shelter has created a helpful template. Your landlord can't insist that you use one particular method.

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Whatever method you use, keep a copy and make sure you've got evidence of when you sent it. It's also useful to ask your landlord or agent to confirm they've received your notice.

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Read the GOV.UK guidance on giving notice.

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Do I need to keep paying rent during my notice period?

Yes. Giving notice doesn't mean your responsibility for the rent stops immediately. You'll normally need to keep paying rent until your notice period ends, even if you decide to physically move out earlier.

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You and your landlord can agree to end the tenancy sooner or shorten your notice period. If they agree, get it in writing so everyone is clear about when your tenancy and rent responsibility will end.

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What if I'm on a joint tenancy?

This is particularly important. If you and your housemates are all named on the same assured periodic tenancy, one joint tenant can usually give notice that ends the tenancy for everyone.

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So don't send notice without understanding what it'll mean for the other people you live with. If some housemates want to leave and others want to stay, speak to the landlord about whether the tenancy can be changed or a new agreement created.

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If you're unsure, talk to us before anyone gives notice.

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What if I live in Purpose Built Student Accommodation?

Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) works differently in some circumstances. If you're living in private halls and the provider is signed up to the approved National Code of practice, you'll usually have a common law tenancy or licence rather than an assured periodic tenancy.

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These agreements can still run for a fixed period – often until the end of the academic year. That means you won't necessarily have the same right to end your agreement by giving up to two months' notice. Check your agreement to see what it says about:

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• ending your agreement early

• notice periods

• finding a replacement student

• any charges involved

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Your accommodation provider might agree to release you if you find an eligible replacement, but the exact process will depend on your agreement.

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You can check whether your provider is signed up to the National Code.

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If your private halls provider isn't covered by the relevant code, you may instead have an assured periodic tenancy, so don't assume the rules based on the building alone.

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What if I live in University halls?

University halls also have different agreements from most private rented houses. Your accommodation will normally be for a set period, and leaving your course or moving out doesn't necessarily end your responsibility for accommodation fees.

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Check your accommodation agreement and contact the University Accommodation team to find out what applies to you.

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What if I'm a lodger?

If you live in the same home as your landlord and share spaces such as a kitchen or bathroom with them, you're likely to be a lodger. Different rules apply to lodgers, so check what your agreement says about giving notice.

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If you're unsure what type of agreement you have, get advice before taking any action.

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How can the Guild help?

Leaving accommodation isn't always as simple as moving your belongings out and handing back the keys. If you're thinking about leaving, talk to us before stopping your rent or giving notice if you're unsure about your agreement.

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We can help you work out what type of tenancy you have, understand the notice you need to give and look at your options if you need to leave before you've planned to.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for support.  

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