PIMS Documents, Hints, Tips to End your Tenancy- Renters Rights Compliant

Ending a Tenancy — Choose the Correct Route

Not every tenancy ends in dispute. Many tenancies end by agreement, checkout, deposit return and handover. Use this page as a quick menu to choose the correct PIMS route.

Normal Ending / Checkout

Use this side where the tenant is leaving, the tenancy is ending by agreement, or you need to manage checkout, deposit, damage or possessions.

1. Check-Out, Deposits and Damage

Plan the checkout, check the inventory, agree deductions and deal with deposit return.

→ The Checkout Process
→ Deposit Return
→ Deposit Disputes
→ Damage to the Property

2. Tenant Leaving, Surrender or Abandonment

Use where the tenant wants to leave early, has abandoned, left possessions or asks for surrender.

→ Tenant Leaving Early / Surrender
→ Abandonment / Moonlight Flit
→ Changing Locks
→ Tenant Left Possessions Behind

3. Debt Recovery and Loss Control

Use after the tenancy has ended where rent, damage, guarantor or tracing issues remain.

→ Recover Debt from Tenant
→ Recover from Guarantors
→ Tracing Missing Tenants
→ Cutting Your Losses

Problem / Possession Route

Use this side where the tenant will not leave, rent arrears exist, there are breaches, or court action may be needed.

1. Breaches, Refusal and Problems

Use where there are complaints, access refusal, invalid notice risk or claims against the landlord.

→ Complaints, Breaches and Problems
→ Refused Access
→ Claim Against Landlord
→ Letter Asking Tenant to Leave / Invalid Notice Risk

2. Rent Arrears

Use where unpaid rent is the main issue, including benefits and arrears letters.

→ NEW Renters’ Rights Tenant Arrears Guide
→ Rent Arrears Letters
→ Tenant on Benefits
→ Rent Arrears Process Checker

3. Section 21 Transition

Only for valid Section 21 notices served before the Renters’ Rights transition cut-off.

→ Section 21 Notice Guide
→ Section 21 Expired: Apply to Court

4. Section 8 Possession

Use for current possession routes where a statutory ground is needed.

→ New Section 8 Process
→ Issue a Section 8 Notice
→ Possession for Rent Arrears
→ Apply for Court Hearing

5. Court, Hearings and Enforcement

Use where proceedings are underway or enforcement is needed.

→ Court Hearings and Outcomes
→ Appeal / Setting Aside Possession Order
→ Tenant Defences / Delaying Tactics
→ Applying for Bailiffs
PIMS Note:

Start with the normal checkout route where possible. Move to breach, arrears, notice or court routes only where the facts require it.