Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement Template UK
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are abolished in England. All new residential lets are now periodic from day one. Generate a compliant tenancy agreement under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
What is an assured periodic tenancy and when do you need one?
An assured periodic tenancy (APT) is a residential tenancy with no fixed end date that continues automatically from rent period to rent period — typically monthly. It is the standard form of tenure for private residential lettings in England under the Housing Act 1988.
Before the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords could choose between a fixed-term assured shorthold tenancy (AST) — with a defined end date, commonly 6 or 12 months — or a periodic tenancy. The fixed-term AST was the dominant form in the market because it allowed landlords to end the tenancy at the end of the term using a Section 21 notice.
That option no longer exists. The RRA 2025 abolished both fixed-term ASTs and Section 21. Every new residential tenancy in England must now be periodic from the outset.
You need an assured periodic tenancy agreement whenever you let a residential property in England to private tenants. The written agreement documents the terms of the tenancy, protects both parties, and provides the legal basis for any possession proceedings if they become necessary.
What the agreement must cover
- Full names of landlord and all adult tenants
- Property address
- Rent amount, payment frequency, and due date
- Deposit amount and scheme details
- Landlord’s repairing obligations
- Notice period for rent reviews
- Permitted use and any relevant restrictions
- Landlord’s contact address for notices
What changed under the Renters' Rights Act 2025?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant reform to the private rented sector in England since the Housing Act 1988. For tenancy agreements specifically, the key changes are:
Fixed-term ASTs abolished
Landlords can no longer create new fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. All new tenancies are periodic (month-to-month or week-to-week) from the start. Any tenancy agreement that purports to be for a fixed term will be treated as periodic.
Section 21 “no-fault” eviction abolished
The Housing Act 1988 s.21 no-fault possession route is removed. Landlords must now rely on one of the Schedule 2 grounds for possession. The main grounds used in practice are Ground 8 (at least 3 months’ rent arrears), Ground 1 (landlord requires the property for own occupation), and Ground 1A (sale of property).
Mandatory written statement of tenancy terms
Separate to the tenancy agreement itself, RRA 2025 introduces a duty under section 1 to provide a written statement of tenancy terms to every tenant. This must be provided before or at the start of the tenancy and must cover specific prescribed matters.
Rent increase restrictions
Rent can only be increased once per year. Any increase must be proposed using a Section 13 notice under the Housing Act 1988, giving at least two months’ notice. Tenants have the right to challenge any increase at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Pets clause
RRA 2025 gives tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds. Standard blanket “no pets” clauses in tenancy agreements may not be enforceable if challenged.
Common mistakes with tenancy agreements post-RRA 2025
Using an old fixed-term AST template
Templates that were standard before RRA 2025 will often include a fixed end date and references to Section 21. These are now obsolete and in some respects legally wrong. A tenancy agreement that specifies a fixed end date will simply be treated as periodic — but it will also contain terms that confuse both parties about their rights.
Not providing the written statement of tenancy terms
The duty to provide a written statement of tenancy terms is a new RRA 2025 obligation separate from the tenancy agreement. Landlords who fail to provide it are in breach of the Act. This document must cover prescribed matters and be provided before or at the start of the tenancy.
Including a blanket no-pets clause
RRA 2025 gives tenants a statutory right to request to keep a pet. A blanket contractual prohibition may not override this right. If you wish to restrict pets, the agreement should reflect the statutory position — that permission will not be unreasonably withheld.
Not capturing the correct notice address for the landlord
A landlord must provide an address in England or Wales at which notices can be served on them. Failure to do so means that rent is not legally due and payable until a valid address is provided (Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 s.48).
Omitting the deposit scheme details
Where a deposit is taken, the tenancy agreement should reference the protection scheme used. The Prescribed Information (SI 2007/797) must be served separately within 30 days of receiving the deposit — but having the scheme details in the agreement helps demonstrate compliance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an assured periodic tenancy?
An assured periodic tenancy is a tenancy that runs from period to period (usually week to week or month to month) with no fixed end date. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, this is now the only form of assured tenancy permitted for new lets in England — fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies can no longer be created.
Can landlords still use fixed-term tenancy agreements in England?
No. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolished the ability to create new fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies in England. All new residential tenancies are now periodic from the outset. Existing fixed-term tenancies that were in place before the relevant commencement date will transition to periodic tenancies at the end of their fixed term.
How does a landlord end a periodic tenancy under RRA 2025?
With Section 21 abolished, landlords can only end a periodic tenancy by establishing one of the statutory grounds for possession in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988, as amended. Grounds include rent arrears (Ground 8, 10, 11), breach of tenancy (Ground 12), deterioration of property (Ground 13), landlord requiring the property for own occupation (Ground 1), and others. Each ground has its own notice period and requirements.
What must be included in an assured periodic tenancy agreement?
A legally sound tenancy agreement should include: the names of the landlord and all adult tenants; the property address; the rent amount and payment frequency; the rent due date; the deposit amount and the protection scheme used; the notice period for rent increases; landlord’s repairing obligations; and any permitted restrictions (e.g. pets, smoking). Under RRA 2025, landlords must also provide a separate written statement of tenancy terms.
Do I need a solicitor to draw up a tenancy agreement?
For standard residential lettings in England, many landlords use generated or template agreements. However, you should always review any agreement carefully before signing and, for non-standard situations (HMOs, commercial elements, complex ownership structures), take independent legal advice. RightsReady generates documents based on current legislation as a starting point for your review — not as a substitute for legal advice.