Periodic-Tenancies NOW Statutory Perioduic Tenancies from May 2026

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Periodic tenancies from May 2026

What is a periodic tenancy from 1 May 2026?

From 1 May 2026, assured tenancies move onto a rolling basis. In practical terms, landlords and tenants should now think in terms of a continuing periodic tenancy rather than relying on an old fixed end date.

A tenancy can still start with agreed written terms and a rent period, but under the new framework it continues on a rolling basis unless and until it is lawfully ended.
Important: from May 2026 the old distinction between fixed-term assured shorthold wording and later rollover becomes much less useful in practice. The safer approach is to treat the tenancy as a continuing periodic arrangement and use the correct current rules on notice, rent and possession.
PIMS tenancy agreement Use the current agreement wording built for the new framework. Rent increase route Review the correct notice route for increasing rent.
Key change date1 May 2026
Tenancy structureRolling / periodic
Tenant notice2 months
Main landlord issueUse the current rules, not old assumptions
The basic idea

How a periodic tenancy works

Tenancies often used to be described as starting with a fixed period, for example 6 or 12 months, during which both parties were contractually bound. Under the new position from 1 May 2026, assured tenancies are treated as continuing rolling tenancies.

This means the tenancy continues from one rent period to the next, usually monthly where the rent is monthly, unless it is lawfully brought to an end.

  • The tenancy does not simply disappear because an old end date is reached.
  • The rent period still matters because it helps define how the tenancy runs in practice.
  • The tenancy continues until the tenant leaves lawfully or the landlord recovers possession lawfully.
What changed in May 2026

Periodic tenancies after the Renters’ Rights changes

Before the new framework, landlords and advisers often separated tenancies into “statutory periodic” and “contractual periodic”. From May 2026, the more practical point is that assured tenancies are rolling tenancies and fixed end dates no longer control the position in the same way.

What stays important

  • The rent period still matters, for example monthly or weekly.
  • The written terms still matter.
  • Notice rules still matter.
  • Possession must still follow the correct statutory route.

What landlords should stop assuming

  • That an old fixed end date automatically ends the tenancy.
  • That old Section 21 thinking still drives the strategy.
  • That an old agreement format automatically answers the new law.
  • That a tenant only has short security once a stated term has passed.
Tenant notice position

How much notice does the tenant give?

Under the current assured periodic position after 1 May 2026, the tenant can end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice. That notice should be given in writing and should end on the day the rent is due or the day before.

In practice, landlords should make sure their paperwork, rent records and communication trail are all consistent with the rolling tenancy model.
What landlords should do

Practical PIMS view

  • Use an up-to-date tenancy agreement written for the new framework.
  • Think in terms of a rolling tenancy from the outset.
  • Use the correct rent increase route instead of relying on outdated clauses.
  • Do not assume that old wording about fixed terms still reflects the best practical position.
  • Where you need possession, follow the current lawful route rather than relying on historic shorthand.
Interactive agreement summary Review the clause structure of the current PIMS agreement. Ending a tenancy Move on to lawful termination and possession routes.
Renters’ Rights Compliance Journey

Move through the wider PIMS journey

Eligibility Check whether the property can lawfully be let. Preparation Prepare the property and documents correctly. Advertising Review compliant advertising and applicant handling. Vetting Move into referencing, checks and risk control. Starting Set up the tenancy correctly under the new framework. Ending Understand lawful termination and possession routes.

This page is designed to explain the practical meaning of periodic tenancies after the Renters’ Rights changes, while fitting into the wider PIMS journey.