My tenant has given notice.
What should I do?

What should I do when my tenant gives notice?

When a tenant gives notice, the first thing to do is confirm the proposed move-out date and check the terms of your tenancy agreement.

You should also start thinking about when the property can be advertised, whether viewings can take place before the tenant leaves, and whether any repairs, cleaning or maintenance will be needed before the next tenancy starts.

Confirm the tenant's move-out date

Make sure you have the tenant's notice in writing and that you understand the date they intend to leave.

This helps you plan when to inspect the property, advertise it, arrange viewings and decide when the next tenancy could realistically begin.

If there is any uncertainty, clarify it with the tenant as early as possible.

Check the tenancy agreement

Your tenancy agreement should explain the notice requirements, how the tenancy ends and what needs to happen before the tenant moves out.

It may also contain terms about access for viewings, inspections and the tenant's responsibilities before leaving.

Checking the agreement early helps reduce confusion later in the process.

Arrange a property inspection

Once notice has been given, it is sensible to inspect the property.

This helps you identify any repairs, cleaning or decoration that may be needed before your next tenant moves in.

It can also help you decide whether the property is ready to advertise immediately or whether you need to complete some work first.

Plan repairs, cleaning and maintenance

Small delays between tenancies can quickly extend the period in which the property is empty.

If work is required, try to organise contractors, cleaning and relevant checks as early as possible.

Decide the new rent

Before advertising, review the rent you want to charge for the next tenancy.

Look at similar properties in the local area and consider the property's condition, location, size, furnishing, demand and availability.

Prepare your rental advert

A strong property advert can make a significant difference when re-letting.

Tenants want clear photographs, accurate details and useful information about the property, local area, transport and expected move-in date.

Advertise before the property becomes vacant

Where practical, advertising before your current tenant moves out gives you more time to generate enquiries, arrange viewings and choose your next tenant.

Waiting until the property is already empty can mean losing valuable marketing time and extending the void between tenancies.

Arrange viewings with prospective tenants

If your current tenant is still living in the property, arrange viewings respectfully and communicate clearly about proposed times.

Once the property is vacant you may have more flexibility, but the goal remains the same: make it straightforward for suitable applicants to view the property and ask questions.

Choose a suitable tenant

After viewings, you may receive interest from one or more applicants.

Consider whether the applicant is suitable for the property and whether they can proceed on the timescale you require.

Do not rely solely on first impressions. Referencing and relevant checks form an important part of deciding whether to proceed.

Reference the tenant and prepare the tenancy

Once you have chosen an applicant, the next stage is to progress the tenancy setup.

Check your compliance before move-in

Before the next tenant moves in, make sure the property is ready and that the relevant tenancy and property requirements have been dealt with.

Complete the move-in process

Once the new tenancy is agreed, make sure the agreement is signed, the required payments have been received, the deposit has been dealt with correctly and the tenant has the information they need before moving in.

A clear move-in process helps the new tenancy start smoothly and can reduce the potential for confusion later.