Notice periods and lock-in clauses, decoded

Notice periods and lock-in clauses decide how and when either side can end the tenancy. Getting them right avoids awkward, costly surprises.

A notice period — usually one month — is how much warning you must give before moving out. A lock-in is a minimum stay during which neither party can exit without penalty; it is common in furnished flats where the owner has invested more.

Read both clauses carefully before signing and make sure the numbers match what you discussed. If a lock-in feels too long for your plans, it is a fair thing to negotiate.