Rental Agreements in England: What Changed in 2026
Private renting rules in England changed significantly on 1 May 2026. For most private renters who meet the legal conditions, assured shorthold tenancies were replaced by assured periodic tenancies. That means an agreement should be drafted for the current system rather than copied from an old AST template.
ASTs are no longer the standard private tenancy
GOV.UK states that landlords cannot create a new assured shorthold tenancy. Existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026.
The tenancy runs on a rolling basis
An assured tenancy cannot be created with an effective fixed end date. It runs periodically — for example monthly — until the tenant ends it, landlord and tenant agree to end it, or the landlord lawfully regains possession.
Put the key terms in writing
A tenancy agreement sets out the legal terms and conditions. GOV.UK says an agreement can be written or oral, but where there is an oral agreement the landlord must also provide the key terms in writing.
Do not assume every letting is an assured periodic tenancy
Different rules can apply where the landlord lives in the same accommodation, for certain student accommodation, holiday lets and other excluded arrangements. Check the tenancy type before relying on a template.
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Open Rental Agreement Builder →Official guidance: GOV.UK assured periodic tenancy guidance. This is general information, not legal advice. Housing law and tenancy type depend on the facts and jurisdiction.