Written by Daniel Andrews, Partner & Solicitor, Cramp & Mullaney LLP
Last reviewed: April 2026
The shift from fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies to open-ended Assured Periodic Tenancies from 1 May 2026 is not simply a legal technicality. It requires a genuine change in the way landlords think about and manage their properties. If you have been accustomed to the rhythm of fixed-term renewals as a natural point at which to review the tenancy, increase the rent, or make decisions about the future of the property, you will need to adapt your approach.
The Information Sheet Obligation
The most immediate obligation for landlords with existing tenancies is the requirement to provide every tenant named on a tenancy agreement with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. This document is published by the Government and must be delivered as a printed copy or as a PDF attached to an email or text message. Sending a link to the document does not satisfy the requirement. Failure to serve the Information Sheet on time is a breach of statutory duty and can result in civil penalties.
Where a tenancy is based on a verbal agreement rather than a written one, the Information Sheet approach cannot be used and the landlord must instead provide the tenant with a written statement of the key terms of the tenancy. Landlords who have been operating on informal verbal arrangements should treat this as an urgent priority.
Updating Your Tenancy Agreements
For new tenancies created after 1 May 2026, a written tenancy agreement is not merely good practice but a legal requirement. The Government published detailed guidance on the required content of tenancy agreements in March 2026. Failure to provide the required information can result in fines of up to £7,000. Landlords should review and update their template tenancy agreements well before they are needed, removing fixed-term provisions, removing contractual rent review clauses, removing any requirements for advance rent above one month, and removing any discriminatory restrictions on benefit claimants or families with children.
Managing Rent Increases
The mechanism for increasing rent changes entirely under the new regime. Contractual rent review clauses, including those tied to RPI or CPI, become unenforceable from 1 May 2026. Every rent increase must be made using the Section 13 process with the new prescribed Form 4A, giving the tenant at least two months’ written notice before the proposed increase date. Only one increase is permitted in any 12-month period. Landlords who have relied on automatic annual increases will need to build the Form 4A process into their property management calendar.
Planning for Possession
Without a fixed-term end date, there is no longer a natural point at which to recover possession of a property for sale, redevelopment, or other purposes. Landlords who anticipate needing to recover a property in the medium term should understand the Section 8 grounds and notice periods that will apply. For sale or occupation grounds, four months’ notice is required, and neither ground can be used in the first 12 months of the tenancy. Court proceedings typically take several months on top of the notice period. Planning ahead is essential.
For landlords across London and the South East who need advice on adapting their tenancy agreements and management practices to the new regime, or who are considering possession proceedings, our housing law team can help. We offer a fixed fee initial consultation and act for landlords with both single properties and larger portfolios.
Cramp & Mullaney LLP advises landlords and tenants across London and the South East on the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and all aspects of landlord and tenant law. If you would like to discuss your situation, please call our Eastbourne office on 01323 720581 or our Battle office on 01424 533222. We offer a fixed fee 30-minute initial consultation.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, please contact Cramp & Mullaney LLP on 01323 720581 (Eastbourne) or 01424 533222 (Battle), or email us at info@cmlaw.co.uk. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 598851).
