The Renters Rights Act

Explained – Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)

We are fast approaching the 1^st May 2026 being the date that many of the new tenancy reforms in the Renters Rights Act come into force.  Yet there remains confusion about the transition of existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies and what will happen to these after the 1^st May.  This blog briefly explains the new default tenancy known as Assured Periodic Tenancy or APT that will come into force.

All existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies as of the 1^st May will automatically convert into APTs and continue as the same tenancy.  There is no need to enter into new agreements or vary the terms of existing agreements.  If you already have a written agreement, then all you need to do is issue the government information sheet to your tenant by the 31^st May (this will be published next month so watch this space).  Failure to do this could result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000.  Any clause in your current tenancy regarding set end dates will be overwritten by the Renters Rights Act and tenancies will continue on a rolling basis meaning no end term and allowing tenants to give two months’ notice.

All new tenancies entered into from 1^st May will now be APTs.  Due to the number of changes and civil penalties introduced by the Renters Rights Act it is important that Landlords do not use old agreements or DIY agreements for new tenancies.  For example, if you enter into a new tenancy after the 1^st May and the agreement purports to let for a fixed term a landlord faces a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first offence.  Repeated or serious breaches can lead to penalties up to £40,000 or a criminal prosecution.

Free Resource – As a landlord, to help you prepare for these changes our Property Litigation Team have produced a checklist.  Consider this checklist to help ensure that your existing tenancies transition under the new rules and for you to be prepared when entering into new tenancies under the new Act. Click on the link below to download a pdf copy of the checklist.

Renters Rights Act – Compliance checklist for Landlords

You can find out more about our services to Landlords and Tenants, and download our leaflet, here Residential Landlord and Tenant Disputes Legal Services | Adams Harrison

For more information and advice on this and how this may affect you please contact our Property Litigation Team at [email protected]