Free tool · Renters’ Rights Act
Tenancy Notice Date Calculator
Notice periods now depend on the ground for possession — from immediate for severe anti-social behaviour to four months for selling or moving in. Pick your ground and service date, and this calculator gives you the earliest date proceedings can begin, with the 12-month protected period checked automatically.
Notice period questions, answered
What replaced Section 21 notices?
Section 21 “no-fault” evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026. Landlords now need a specific ground for possession under Section 8, each with its own notice period — for example 4 months for moving in or selling, 4 weeks for serious rent arrears.
What is the 12-month protected period?
The moving-in and selling grounds (Grounds 1 and 1A) cannot be used during the first 12 months of a tenancy. Notice on these grounds served inside that window is invalid.
How much notice does a tenant have to give?
A tenant can end an assured periodic tenancy with at least two months’ written notice, expiring on the last day of a rent period. Landlord and tenant can agree an earlier end date in writing.
What counts as serious rent arrears for Ground 8?
At least three months’ rent (or 13 weeks’ if rent is paid weekly or fortnightly) must be unpaid both when the notice is served and at the possession hearing. The notice period is 4 weeks.
What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary grounds?
If a mandatory ground is proven at the hearing, the court must order possession. With a discretionary ground the court will only order possession if it also considers it reasonable to do so.
Keep every tenancy date where you can see it
HomeDash tracks your tenancies, rent records and documents in one place — so when you need to serve notice, the dates and the evidence are already organised.
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This tool is guidance, not legal advice. The rules it applies were last reviewed on 20 August 2026 against: gov.uk — private renting · gov.uk — evicting tenants · Housing Act 1988 (as amended). If your situation is unusual or contested, take advice before serving anything.