Housing advice
Contents
Being asked to leave a tenancy
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 provides additional rights for private rent tenants and places a duty on us to investigate and enforce action against landlords and letting agents who do not comply with the new law. You can find out more about the Renters' Rights Act on the Government’s Housing Hub.
Being asked to leave a tenancy
If you live in a privately rented property, your landlord may decide to start eviction proceedings by serving a Section 8 notice. They must have a reason for asking you to leave, these are known as ‘grounds’. From 1 May 2026 your landlord cannot use a section 21 notice to end your tenancy, even if you had a fixed term tenancy agreement in place before 1 May 2026. If your landlord issues you a Section 21 notice, or asks you to leave without the correct legal paperwork, it is an offence which should be reported to us by calling 0300 123 5017.
The current legal notice must be given using the GOV.UK's Form 3a - guidance for tenants.
Notice periods
The notice period will depend on which ground/s for possession your landlord is using. You can read the grounds for possession gov.uk guidance which lists all grounds and notice periods your landlord can use.
It is important that as soon as your landlord issues you with a notice that you start to make plans for your move and that you contact us straight away.
More information about privately rented tenancies and your rights can be found in our tenants guide.
Leaving a social tenancy
Social landlords can give you notice to leave their accommodation, but only if you have broken the terms of your tenancy. This is usually because of rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
A social landlord must take you to court to formally end your tenancy, although they might ask you to give up your tenancy informally. If you are in rent arrears or if your social landlord has indicated that they will be seeking court action, contact us straight away.
Transferring to a different more suitable accommodation
If your current socially rented home is too big, too small, or affecting your health, you can apply for a transfer to an alternative social tenancy. To do this, your rent account must be clear of arrears, and your property must be in good condition. A transfer to another tenancy in Cheshire East is done by registering an application with Cheshire homechoice.
Exchanging your home to live in another area
If your home is suitable but you would like to live in another area, you can apply to exchange your home. You can do this by completing an application to www.homeswapper.co.uk. This is where residents of social housing can apply to swap their homes with tenants in other areas.
Contact the Homechoice and Prevention team
Before you end your tenancy, or if you have received notice that your landlord would like to end your tenancy, call us on 0300 123 5017 (Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm).
Page last reviewed: 24 April 2026
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