Why it matters
What Periodic Tenancy means for a landlord
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 52 weeks, with tribunal review. Tenancy templates built for 12-month ASTs often have irrelevant or invalid clauses in a periodic context and need a rewrite.
Worked example
How it plays out
Leah’s tenant in Bath has rented since 2023. Since 1 May 2026 the tenancy has simply continued month to month as an assured periodic tenancy. In August the tenant gives two months’ notice and moves out in October. Leah cannot hold them to a fixed term, so she starts marketing the flat as soon as the notice arrives to keep the empty period short.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Expecting a tenant to stay for a minimum period.
- 02Raising the rent by letter instead of a Section 13 notice.
- 03Keeping renewal paperwork that no longer applies.
What to do
A short checklist
- Start re-letting as soon as a tenant gives notice.
- Set a rent review date and use Section 13.
- Update templates to periodic wording.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
