Can a landlord change a tenancy agreement?
A landlord cannot simply rewrite agreed tenancy terms whenever they choose. GOV.UK’s current guidance for assured periodic tenancies says both landlord and tenant must agree to changes to the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Changes need agreement
If the landlord wants to alter an agreed term, the safest approach is to make the proposed change clear and obtain the tenant’s agreement rather than silently replacing the old wording.
Rent increases have separate rules
A rent increase is not just an ordinary contract edit. England’s post-May-2026 private-renting rules include a specific rent-increase process, so landlords should follow the current statutory procedure rather than relying on a generic variation clause.
Keep a written record
Where a change is agreed, keeping a dated written record helps both sides understand what changed and when. Do not overwrite the only copy of the original agreement.
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Open Rental Agreement Builder →Official source: GOV.UK assured periodic tenancies guidance. Check current official guidance for your circumstances.