Understand how current Assured Shorthold Tenancies will change to Assured Periodic Tenancies.
The Act impacts all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), including both new and existing tenancies, but excludes company lets and rents over £100k/year. When you work with us, you benefit from experienced, expert guidance—we’ll help you navigate what these changes mean in practice.
What’s changed with converting current tenancies?
On 1 May 2026, the new tenancy system will apply to all Assured Shorthold Tenancies. This means that existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will convert to the new system and will then run from month to month until either the tenant serves notice, or the landlord meets one of the grounds for regaining possession of the property. Existing tenancies will then be known as Assured Periodic Tenancies.
If you have a tenancy that started before 1 May 2026, you won’t be expected to issue a new tenancy agreement. Instead the Government has published an Information Sheet to support the rollout of the Renters’ Rights Act.
Key considerations
- The Information Sheet is designed to explain to tenants how the Renters’ Rights Act will affect current tenancies.
- Rather than requiring landlords to reissue tenancy agreements, the Information Sheet acts as a practical bridge - explaining how existing arrangements will convert under the new law ensuring tenants understand their rights and obligations without requiring legal interpretation.
- Under the new rules, the Information Sheet must be provided to all tenants on Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements created before 1 May 2026.
- We’ll be arranging the service of this document for landlords of any affected tenancies to ensure it is delivered in line with the government’s deadline of 31 May 2026.
- Landlords must give this Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, or you could be fined up to £7,000.
We’re Here to Help
You’re not expected to navigate these changes on your own. When you instruct us to let your property, we’ll provide guidance to help you understand the new legislation, answer any questions, and help you make the right decisions for you. Whether you’re planning ahead or wanting to review the situation of your current tenancy we’re always happy to talk things through.