Why it matters
What Notice to Quit means for a landlord
“Notice to quit” sounds like the natural phrase, but for most private lets it is the wrong document. For an assured tenancy, which covers most private lets in England, the landlord’s route is a Section 8 notice on Form 3A. A notice to quit is correct for common-law tenancies, licences and some company lets. Note the difference the Renters’ Rights Act created: the tenant can end an assured periodic tenancy with two months’ notice, while the landlord must prove a ground.
Worked example
How it plays out
Priya lets a room in her own home to a lodger, who shares her kitchen. The lodger is an excluded occupier, so when Priya wants the room back she gives reasonable notice in writing, matching the monthly rent period, and no court order is needed. Her separate flat is let on an assured periodic tenancy, where a notice to quit from her would have no effect and she would need a Section 8 notice.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Serving a notice to quit on an assured tenant.
- 02Using the same notice for a licence, a company let and an assured tenancy.
- 03Changing the locks on anyone other than an excluded occupier without a court order.
What to do
A short checklist
- Work out the legal status of each occupier.
- Use Section 8 for assured tenants.
- Take advice for unusual lets such as company lets.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
