New Tenancy Structure: What Landlords Must Provide

Since 1 May 2026, new private-sector assured tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies. Existing assured shorthold and fixed-term assured tenancies generally became assured periodic tenancies automatically on that date.

• An assured tenancy must run on a rolling basis, such as weekly or monthly.

• An end date in an assured tenancy agreement is not enforceable as a fixed term.

• Landlords must have a valid Section 8 ground if they need to recover possession.

• Tenants can end the tenancy with up to two months’ written notice, ending on the day rent is due or the day before, unless a shorter period is agreed in writing or preserved by transitional rules.

New tenants must be given the prescribed written information about the key terms of the tenancy. This will usually be included in a written tenancy agreement and should cover the parties, property, rent, deposit, payment frequency, notice arrangements and key responsibilities.

Most tenants with an existing written tenancy should have received the exact government-produced Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. It had to be supplied as the official PDF attachment or as a printed copy, not merely as a web link. Existing written agreements did not need to be replaced.

• Rent must not be requested, encouraged or accepted before the tenancy agreement is signed.

• After signature and before the tenancy begins, no more than one month’s rent may be required in advance.

• Once the tenancy has started, a tenant may choose to pay rent early.

• Permitted tenancy and holding deposits remain subject to the Tenant Fees Act and deposit-protection requirements.

• Use tenancy templates designed for assured periodic tenancies.

• Do not offer a new assured fixed term or rely on a fixed end date.

• Retain evidence that each required document and information sheet was supplied correctly.

• Use current prescribed forms and current government guidance.

Last reviewed: 2 September 2026. General information for England; not legal advice.