Assured Periodic Tenancies
From 31 May 2026, fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies cease to exist in England. Every tenancy becomes periodic from day one. Here's what that means in practice.
What is an Assured Periodic Tenancy?
No fixed end date
An APT rolls month-to-month (or week-to-week). There is no fixed term, no renewal date, and no automatic expiry.
Tenant flexibility
Tenants can end an APT by giving 2 months' written notice at any time — no break clause needed.
Landlord possession via Section 8
To regain the property, landlords must rely on specified grounds under Section 8 — such as selling, moving in, or tenant fault.
Rent increases capped
Landlords may increase rent once per year using a Section 13 notice. Tenants can challenge the increase at a tribunal.
How existing tenancies transition
There is no opt-out. Every AST in England converts automatically.
Fixed terms already expired
If your AST has already lapsed into a statutory periodic tenancy, it becomes an APT on 31 May 2026. Little practical change — but Section 21 is no longer available.
Fixed terms expiring before 31 May 2026
Your AST runs its course and lapses to periodic as normal. On commencement day it converts to an APT.
Fixed terms expiring after 31 May 2026
The fixed term is cut short. On 31 May 2026, the tenancy converts to an APT immediately — even if the original term had months or years remaining.
New tenancies after 31 May 2026
Every new tenancy granted after commencement is an APT from day one. There is no option to grant a fixed-term AST.
AST vs APT — side by side
What landlords should do now
Review tenancy agreements
Ensure your template agreement works for periodic tenancies. Remove references to fixed terms and Section 21.
Understand new possession grounds
Familiarise yourself with the expanded Section 8 grounds — selling (1A), landlord occupation (1), student lets (4A), and fault-based grounds.
Budget for longer void periods
Without fixed terms, tenants may leave at short notice. Factor 2-month notice periods into cash-flow planning.
Use RentSure to track it all
Our compliance engine already labels tenancies as APTs after 31 May 2026 and surfaces the updated requirements automatically.
Common questions
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