What is a tenancy agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant. It sets out the conditions under which the tenant may occupy the property, including rent, responsibilities and practical arrangements.

Although tenancies can sometimes arise verbally, landlords must provide prescribed information in writing for new assured tenancies. A comprehensive written agreement also helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a record of what has been agreed.

What is an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)?

An APT is now the standard tenancy for most privately rented homes in England. Unlike the former fixed-term AST arrangements, an APT continues on a rolling basis, usually monthly, without a predetermined end date.

It will generally apply where the property is the tenant’s main home and the letting meets the statutory conditions for an assured tenancy.

What should an APT agreement include?

A properly drafted agreement should cover the arrangements for the letting and reflect current legislation.

• Parties and addresses: Names of the landlord and tenants, the property address and an address for serving notices.
• Tenancy start: The date the tenant is entitled to occupy the property.
• Rent: The amount, payment frequency, due dates and payment arrangements.
• Deposit: The amount payable and applicable protection requirements.
• Responsibilities: Repairs, maintenance, cleanliness, utilities and relevant safety arrangements.
• Use of the property: Occupation, subletting, alterations and any lawful property-specific conditions.
• Access: Reasonable arrangements for inspections and repairs, respecting statutory requirements and quiet enjoyment.
• Ending the tenancy: The applicable notice and possession procedures.
• Prescribed information: The written information required by the relevant regulations.

What happened to Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)?

Before 1 May 2026, ASTs were the most common private tenancy type in England. They often had fixed terms of six or twelve months, and landlords could previously use the Section 21 process to seek possession without proving a statutory ground.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, most existing ASTs became APTs automatically on 1 May 2026. Section 21 was abolished, subject to transitional arrangements for certain existing notices and proceedings.

Older agreements should still be reviewed, as clauses that conflict with current law may no longer be enforceable.

Other types of tenancy and occupation agreement

Not every residential letting falls within the assured tenancy system. The correct document depends on the property, the parties and the circumstances.

The label on an agreement does not determine its legal status. The actual letting arrangement and applicable legislation do.

Why is a properly drafted tenancy agreement important?

A clear agreement helps everyone understand their responsibilities, provides evidence of agreed arrangements and can reduce disputes over rent, repairs, access, alterations and the property’s condition.

Outdated templates may include invalid fixed-term provisions, obsolete possession clauses or prohibited charges. Agreements should be reviewed whenever relevant legislation changes.