What is a periodic tenancy, and what written statement do you need?

Since 1 May 2026, private tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies: they run month to month (or week to week) with no end date. New tenancies must start with specific written information from the landlord. Here is what applies to new, existing and verbal tenancies.

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Which document you need

Your tenancyWhat to giveDeadline
New tenancy, from 1 May 2026The required written information (in the agreement or separately)Before the agreement is signed or agreed
Existing tenancy with a written agreementRenters' Rights Act Information Sheet 202631 May 2026 (give it now if missed)
Existing tenancy agreed verbally before 1 May 2026Written information about the key terms31 May 2026
Tenancy that became periodic after 1 May 2026 (e.g. after an invalid notice or court case)Information SheetWithin one month (GOV.UK)

Penalty for not giving required written information: up to £7,000.

Renters' Rights Act written statement of terms: what goes in it

GOV.UK's guidance on written information sets the minimum. You do not have to use the legal wording, but each item must be covered:

  • Landlord name(s) and a postal address in England or Wales for notices; tenant names; property address; the date the tenant can move in.
  • Rent amount and due date, and a statement that any increase will be by notice under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
  • Which bills are included in the rent, and details of any separate bill payments (council tax, utilities, TV licence, communications, green deal).
  • Deposit amount (the deposit prescribed information still follows within 30 days).
  • The tenant's notice period to leave (no more than two months; two months if you say nothing).
  • That the landlord can usually end the tenancy only by a possession order, using the correct form and a ground.
  • "Prior notice" of grounds 2ZA–2ZD, 4, 4A, 5–5H or 18 if you may use them. Without it, ground 4A (students) cannot be used at all.
  • Your duties on fitness for human habitation (s9A) and repairs (s11) under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, electrical safety (2020 regulations) and gas safety (regulation 36).
  • Disability adaptations (Equality Act 2010 s190), pets (you cannot unreasonably refuse), and supported accommodation where relevant.

The GOV.UK PDF was published as a draft ahead of the final version; the statutory instrument is the full legal requirement. Check the current version before relying on this list.

We do not provide a template tenancy agreement. If you use one from a landlord association or a solicitor, check it has been updated for 1 May 2026: no fixed term, no rent review clause, no section 21, and rent increases by Form 4A.

Periodic tenancy: landlord notice and tenant notice

  • Tenant: can leave by giving up to 2 months' written notice, ending on a rent day or the day before.
  • Landlord: needs a section 8 ground and Form 3A; there is no "no-fault" route. Section 8 notices
  • Selling: the sale ground cannot be used in the first 12 months, needs 4 months' notice, and you cannot re-let for 12 months. Section 8 grounds

Information, not legal advice.

Questions landlords ask

What is a periodic tenancy?

A tenancy with no fixed end date that rolls on from one rent period to the next, such as monthly. Since 1 May 2026 almost all private assured tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies, and they cannot have a period longer than a month.

How long can a periodic tenancy last?

Indefinitely, until the tenant gives notice (up to 2 months) or the landlord obtains possession on a section 8 ground through the court.

Does a periodic tenancy automatically renew?

There is nothing to renew. It simply continues from period to period. You do not need to sign a new agreement each year.

Do I need a written statement for a new tenancy?

Yes. For tenancies from 1 May 2026, you must give the required written information before you sign the agreement, or before you agree an oral tenancy. You can put it in the tenancy agreement or give it separately. The fine for not doing so is up to £7,000.

Do I need to reissue existing tenancy agreements?

No. For existing written tenancies, GOV.UK says you do not need to change or reissue the agreement; you had to give the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. For oral tenancies from before 1 May 2026, you had to give written information by 31 May 2026.

Is there an official written statement template?

GOV.UK publishes a landlord guidance checklist of the written information required. We link to it rather than supplying our own template.

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Related guides

Information Sheet 2026 →
For existing tenancies.Renters’ Rights Act checklist →
Everything else that changed.Rent increase rules →
Why rent review clauses stopped working.

Sources

Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Information, not legal advice. Official pages change; follow the source link before you act.