You can only move out early on the terms of your tenancy agreement. When you booked, you agreed to stay in the accommodation for the whole term, and once you have signed the tenancy agreement or moved in, that agreement — not the Uniplaces cancellation policy — governs any notice period, the rent still due and your security deposit. Tell your landlord and Uniplaces as soon as you know. If your landlord’s booking is covered by the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee (a landlord-side cover for rent lost when a tenant leaves early), Uniplaces may pay the landlord rent for the room after you leave.
Can you move out early?
Only in line with your tenancy agreement. Your tenancy agreement is between you and your landlord, and it runs until the contract end date. Once a booking is confirmed (the landlord accepted and your payment went through), you are responsible for staying in the accommodation throughout the term, complying with the tenancy agreement and making all payments to the landlord promptly and in full. Leaving before the end date is an early termination; whether and how you can do it depends on the termination terms of your agreement and on whether your landlord agrees.
Early departure is different from cancelling before move-in. Once the tenancy agreement is signed or you have moved in, the booking cannot be cancelled under the Uniplaces cancellation policy — only under the termination provisions of your tenancy agreement.
Tell your landlord and Uniplaces
If you decide to move out early, tell your landlord in writing, giving the notice your tenancy agreement requires, and contact the Uniplaces support team with your planned move-out date. Uniplaces is not a party to your tenancy agreement and cannot end it for you, but the support team can advise on next steps, and your landlord may make a claim under the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee once you leave.
What happens to the rent?
If you move out early without a formal agreement to do so, you remain liable for rent until your contract end date unless your landlord releases you from that obligation. Do not simply stop paying rent — this puts you in breach of your tenancy agreement, and your landlord may pursue the unpaid rent.
Rent from the second month onwards is paid directly to your landlord, as stated on the listing you booked; Uniplaces does not process it. Your first rental payment is transferred to the landlord within two business days of the move-in date, once the 24-hour Safety Period — your 24 hours after the move-in date to report a problem with the accommodation to Uniplaces — has passed without a help request, so any refund of rent after you move in is a matter under your tenancy agreement, not through Uniplaces.
What happens to your security deposit?
Moving out early may affect your security deposit. Depending on the terms of your tenancy agreement and local tenancy law, the landlord may be entitled to keep part or all of it to cover the remaining rent or the notice period. The deposit is paid directly to your landlord and is a matter between you and them; Uniplaces holds no deposit. See How Does the Security Deposit Work on Uniplaces?.
The Uniplaces Rent Guarantee — what it means for you
Some landlords’ bookings are covered by the Uniplaces Rent Guarantee. If yours is, and you permanently leave the accommodation before the end of the term, Uniplaces may re-let the room and pay your landlord an amount equivalent to the daily rent until it is re-let or the term ends. You must reimburse Uniplaces for any and all sums it pays your landlord because you left early, immediately on written demand. Leaving early does not cancel your obligations — it can leave you owing rent to your landlord under the tenancy agreement and, for any rent Uniplaces has paid your landlord in your place, owing Uniplaces that amount.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- You are planning to move out before your contract end date
- You have agreed an early move-out with your landlord and want advice on the next steps
- Your landlord is asking you for a payment that is not in your tenancy agreement or on the listing you booked
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my first rental payment back if I move out early?
No. The cancellation policy only applies before you sign the tenancy agreement or move in. After that, the first rental payment has been transferred to your landlord, and any refund of rent is governed by your tenancy agreement.
Do I have to keep paying rent after I leave?
Unless your landlord releases you in writing or your tenancy agreement allows early termination, yes — you remain liable for rent until the end date.
Will I lose my security deposit?
You may. It depends on the terms of your tenancy agreement and on local tenancy law. Ask your landlord in writing what they intend to deduct and why.
Can Uniplaces end my tenancy agreement for me?
No. Uniplaces is not a party to the tenancy agreement, which is between you and your landlord. The support team can advise, but the terms of your agreement decide how and when it can end.
Still need help?
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations vary by country and change over time. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional (lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor) in the country where your accommodation is located.