Changing Tenant’s Notice in Tenancy Builder

Introduction

  • The minimum tenant notice under current legislation is four weeks (written). For periodic tenancies, common law requires notice to match the rent period (eg one calendar month for monthly rent). The Guild assured shorthold tenancies were updated in 2025 to state two calendar months’ tenant notice to reflect proposals in the Renters’ (Rights) Bill. Landlords and tenants can still agree on a shorter period, provided it is not below the statutory minimum.

What this means for Tenancy Builder users

  • The Guild AST in Tenancy Builder now inserts “two calendar months” for the tenant’s notice on periodic tenancies. This is a contractual choice made to align existing agreements with the expected legislative change and to avoid later issues when the law changes.
  • You can agree with tenants to give a shorter period (eg one month), but you must not contract below the statutory minimum (four weeks).

How to change the notice term for a single agreement

  • On the final page of Tenancy Builder, use the Additional Terms box and add a specific clause replacing the two‑month wording. For example:

For term [xxx] (tenant's notice to terminate), the words "two calendar months" are to be read as "one calendar month".

  • Adjust the term number to match the agreement you generate (term numbers vary by selections; for most users, it will be about term 114).

How to apply the change automatically for future agreements

  • Create and use a saved profile in Tenancy Builder:
    1. Create a profile and include the Additional Term above.
    2. When you start a new tenancy, select that profile, and the term will prefill.
    3. You can still edit or remove the term per tenancy if needed.

Practical points and law

  • You can insist on the contractual two‑month notice if it’s in a signed agreement, subject to general contract and consumer fairness law.
  • You cannot lawfully require a tenant to give less than the statutory minimum (four weeks).
  • If the Renters’ (Rights) Bill becomes law with a two‑month minimum, existing shorter agreed terms will likely remain as an agreed lesser period; the Guild’s change seeks to ensure a smoother transition for current tenancies.
  • If in doubt about specific cases (e.g. disputes or unusual rent periods), contact the Guild for tailored help.

Useful links

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