Ending a cost rental tenancy - Residential Tenancies Board

Ending a cost rental tenancy

How a landlord can end the tenancy

A landlord can only end a cost rental tenancy in very limited circumstances.

Once you have lived in the property for continuously for 6 months without a valid Notice of Termination being served within that period, you have <security of tenure>.

For tenancies that started on or after 11 June 2022, this means you have the right to stay in the property indefinitely. The landlord can only end the tenancy on these limited grounds:

  • You have broken the rules of the tenancy
  • The property is no longer suitable for your needs or the people living with you. For example, there aren’t enough beds or space for the number of people.

Unlike standard private tenancies, landlords cannot end a cost rental tenancy for reasons such as selling the property, wanting to move in themselves or move a family member into the property, changing the use of the property or carrying out renovations to the property.

How a tenant can end the tenancy

You can end a cost rental tenancy by providing the landlord with written notice. You do not need to give a reason for ending the tenancy. The required notice period depends on how long you have lived in the property:

Length of tenancy Notice period
Less than 6 months 28 days
6 months to 1 year 35 days
1 to 2 years 42 days
2 to 4 years 56 days
4 to 7 days 84 days
More than 8 years 112 days

Disputes about ending a tenancy

If there is a dispute about ending a cost rental tenancy, either party can contact the RTB . Common disputes include:

  • If a valid notice of termination was given.
  • If the reason for termination is genuine.
  • If the correct notice period was followed.

If a dispute is referred to the RTB, the tenancy continues until the RTB makes a final decision.

How you must give notice

The notice must be in writing and include:

  • The date the notice is given
  • The date the tenancy will end
  • The tenant’s signature
  • A statement confirming that the notice complies with legal requirements

If you do not leave by the stated date, the landlord can take legal action to re-possess the property.