Housing law: setting up an Assured Periodic Tenancy in England

Land

Housing law has changed. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. With effect from 1 May 2026:

  • Landlords’ duties begin much earlier in the process, and before a tenancy is agreed
  • It will not be possible to set up a new Assured Shorthold Tenancy
  • All existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will automatically convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies
  • It will not be possible to serve a ‘no-fault’ section 21 notice to terminate a housing tenancy

Except where otherwise indicated, this guide deals with the law as it will be from 1 May 2026.    Members wanting to know more about the changes should contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.

For more information about setting up a housing tenancy before 1 May 2026 see our business guide: https://www.nfuonline.com/member-resources/housing-law-setting-up-an-assured-shorthold-tenancy-in-england/.

This business guide explains how landlords can set up an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) for a private rented property in England.

The information set out in this business guide explains the position regarding APTs only. It is therefore important to determine what tenancy you have in place. If you are unsure, please contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 for further advice.

Please note that the information in this business guide applies to properties let in England only.

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