Periodic Tenancy
A tenancy that continues from period to period (usually monthly) with no fixed end date. From 1 May 2026 all assured tenancies in England are periodic by default under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Tenants can end the tenancy with two months' notice.
At a glance
- Default
- All assured tenancies in England from 1 May 2026
- Tenant exit
- 2 months’ notice
- Rent review
- Only via Section 13 notice
Full guide
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Open full guideWhy Periodic Tenancy matters for landlords
The periodic tenancy is the new default residential structure in England post-RRA. It has no fixed end date, so the landlord can no longer rely on a fixed term to control rent review or end-date planning — rent reviews are by Section 13 only, once every 12 months, with tribunal review. Tenancy templates built for 12-month ASTs often have irrelevant or invalid clauses in a periodic context and need a rewrite.
Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
Break Clause
A clause in a fixed-term tenancy that allows landlord or tenant to end the agreement early. With fixed-term ASTs abolished from 1 May 2026 for most residential tenancies, break clauses are rarely relevant, a tenant can instead end a periodic tenancy with two months' notice.
Renters Rights Act 2025
UK legislation that received Royal Assent in 2025 and came fully into force on 1 May 2026. Abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, converted all ASTs to periodic tenancies, extended the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS, introduced a private rented sector database and gave tenants the right to request pets.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs converted to assured periodic tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025, and new fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for most residential lets.
Rent Increase Notice (Section 13)
A notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 used to increase rent on an assured periodic tenancy. Requires at least one month's notice and can only be used once in any 12-month period. Tenants can challenge the increase at the First-tier Tribunal.
Section 13 Notice
The only lawful way to raise rent on an assured periodic tenancy. One increase per 12 months with at least one month's notice. Tenant can refer to the First-tier Tribunal which can cap the rent at market rate.
Joint Tenancy
A tenancy where two or more tenants are jointly and severally liable for the rent and obligations. If one tenant leaves, the remaining tenants are liable for the full rent. A notice served by one joint tenant can end the tenancy for all.