Managing Assured Periodic Tenancies After 1 May 2026

From 1 May 2026, most private assured tenancies in England run as assured periodic tenancies with no fixed end date. Good tenancy management now depends on clear written terms, regular check-ins, evidence-backed rent reviews and orderly notice handling rather than annual fixed-term renewals.

Keep written terms current

Record the key tenancy terms and provide the required government Information Sheet. Keep a service record for the agreement, deposit information, safety documents and later changes.

• Names of the landlord and tenants
• Property, rent amount, payment frequency and due date
• How notices and communications may be served
• Deposit, repairs, access and other agreed responsibilities

Use regular tenancy check-ins

A periodic tenancy does not need a renewal event, but a six-monthly check-in helps both sides plan:

• Resolve repairs and communication issues before they become reasons to leave
• Confirm household and contact details without demanding unnecessary personal data
• Discuss likely plans without pressuring the tenant to commit to a fixed end date
• Review documents, property condition and any upcoming rent review

If the tenant wants to leave

Tenants generally give 2 months' written notice, aligned with the rent period, unless both sides agree a shorter period in writing. Confirm the move-out date, check-out inspection, keys, final rent and deposit process in one shared timeline.

If the landlord needs possession

Section 21 has ended in England's private rented sector. A landlord must rely on a valid Section 8 ground, give the ground-specific notice, and prove the case in court if the tenant does not leave. Sale and owner-occupation grounds cannot generally be used in the first 12 months. Take legal advice before service.

Handle rent reviews separately

Rent increases use Section 13 and Form 4A, with at least 2 months' notice, no increase in the first year and no more than one increase per year. A tenancy check-in is not itself a rent-increase notice.

Keep the audit trail

Store written terms, the Information Sheet, deposit records, safety documents, check-in notes, rent-review notices and move-out evidence against the tenancy. Tendmere organises this history, but it does not replace legal advice on a possession or disputed notice.