Summer moving guide: What tenants should know about mid-year moves

More tenants move during June, July, and August than at any other point in the year.

No. 14996 from our magazine|2 min read| Published in Magazine on 20 May 2026 by our Marketing Team

The reasons are largely practical: tenancy cycles align with seasonal timing, families often coordinate moves around school holidays, and the longer daylight hours make summer the preferred time for relocating.

If you are planning a move this summer, understanding the updated tenancy rules, preparing early, and managing timings carefully can make the process significantly smoother.

Giving notice correctly under the new rules

Since 1 May 2026, all private tenancies in England operate as open-ended assured periodic tenancies. Fixed-term tenancy endings no longer apply automatically. If you wish to leave your current property, you must provide at least two months’ written notice, ending on either a rent payment date or the day before.

Your notice should include:

Your full name and current address
The date the notice is served
The intended tenancy end date
Confirmation that you are giving formal notice to vacate

Checking the correct rent payment date is essential, as an incorrectly timed notice could create disputes or extend your tenancy unexpectedly. Keeping written confirmation of receipt from your landlord or agent is strongly recommended. Timing your notice around your next property

One of the most common mistakes tenants make is serving notice before securing a new home. While summer markets can feel competitive, giving notice too early risks leaving yourself without accommodation if your property search takes longer than expected.

A more secure approach is to:

Begin searching before serving notice
Progress referencing and applications first
Align your moving timeline with a confirmed tenancy start date

Most landlords and agents will typically hold a property for a short period following successful referencing, allowing enough time to coordinate both tenancies more effectively.

Preparing for referencing delays

Summer is the busiest period of the year for tenancy applications, meaning referencing delays become far more common. To avoid unnecessary setbacks:

Inform your employer or payroll team in advance
Prepare proof of income and identification early
Have tax documents ready if you are self-employed
Notify your current landlord that a reference request may arrive

Being fully prepared before you apply can make the difference between securing a property quickly or losing it to another applicant.

Protecting your deposit

The end of a tenancy is when deposit disputes most commonly arise, so preparation is essential.

Before moving out:

Review your original inventory carefully
Take timestamped photographs and every room
Complete any agreed cleaning or minor repairs
Keep evidence of work carried out where possible

The Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme all offer free dispute resolution services if disagreements arise regarding deductions.

Finding a property in the summer market

Although summer remains busy, the rental market has become more balanced than in recent years. Available stock levels have improved, and the extreme competition seen during 2022 and 2023 has eased. However, the best-presented and most competitively priced homes still move quickly. Tenants who succeed most often are typically those who:

Book viewings promptly
Submit complete applications quickly
Demonstrate financial readiness immediately
Communicate clearly with agents and landlords

Move-in dates should also be discussed carefully from the outset to minimise overlap between tenancies and avoid paying rent on two properties simultaneously.

Planning for moving costs:

Moving home involves several upfront costs beyond monthly rent, and budgeting early helps avoid unnecessary pressure later in the process.

Typical expenses include:

Your new tenancy deposit
First month’s rent
Removal company costs
Storage or temporary accommodation if required
Furniture or appliance purchases for unfurnished properties

Removal services are often more expensive during summer due to demand, so booking early can improve both availability and pricing.

Why preparation matters:

Summer moves are often smoother for tenants who approach the process with a clear timeline and realistic expectations. Starting preparations early, understanding the updated legal framework, and coordinating notice periods carefully can significantly reduce stress and improve your chances of securing the right property.

Looking for your next rental property this summer? Talk to our lettings team today

This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.

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