https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-overview-for-tenants
The Renters’ Rights Act changes how landlords let out private properties on or from 1 May 2026.
This overview of the main changes is for tenants. Separate guidance is available for landlords.
The changes apply to privately rented properties.
Different rules apply if you:
rent from a housing association or local council
live in student halls of residence
are a lodger
Changes to private rented tenancies
Most existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026.
If you agree a new tenancy agreement with a private landlord on or after 1 May, it will be an assured periodic tenancy.
Assured periodic tenancies run on a rolling basis, for example, weekly or monthly. It is no longer possible to have an assured tenancy agreement with an end date.
If your tenancy agreement has an end date in it, this will no longer apply.
If you are currently a tenant and already have a written tenancy agreement, you will not need a new one. Instead, your landlord or their letting agent must give you a government-produced Information Sheet telling you about the changes to your tenancy before 31 May 2026. If they do not do this, they could receive a fine.
If you do not have a written tenancy agreement, your landlord will need to give you certain written information. This will explain the key terms of the agreement. Your landlord will probably give this to you in a tenancy agreement.
If you start a new tenancy after 1 May 2026 your landlord will need to give you certain written information. Your landlord will probably give this to you in a written tenancy agreement.