How much notice does a landlord have to give?

It depends on the ground. Four months for selling the property or moving back into it, which are the two most landlords use.

Since Section 21 ended on 1 May 2026 there is no notice period that works without a reason. Ground 1 covers you or a close family member moving in, Ground 1A covers selling. Both need four months, neither can be used in the first twelve months of the tenancy, and after either you cannot market or re-let for twelve months.

Other grounds are shorter. Serious rent arrears and anti social behaviour carry much less notice, but they carry an evidence burden to match.

Getting the period wrong does not just delay things. A defective notice cannot be fixed after the event, so you start again. The current periods for each ground are in the government guide.