All ASTs Will Become Periodic

On May 1, 2026, every AST will instantly convert to a periodic (rolling) tenancy, operating on a month-to-month basis. This applies regardless of whether the tenancy was originally fixed-term or newly signed.

There will be no official minimum term for either new or existing tenancies. However, tenants will be required to give a minimum of two months’ notice to end their tenancy.

In practice, this means a tenant could sign a tenancy agreement and immediately serve notice, effectively creating a two-month minimum tenancy period.

Two Months’ Notice Required from Tenants

Once the changes take effect, tenants will need to provide at least two months’ notice to leave the property. This rule will apply across the board — to all ASTs, old and new.

Because tenancies will be rolling, notice handling will become a much more important part of tenancy management, and landlords should expect less rigidity and predictability than under fixed-term agreements.

Tenancy Agreements Will Need Updating

The shift from fixed-term to periodic tenancies means that tenancy agreements will be less flexible and will need to reflect the new legal framework.

• All tenancy agreements created on or after May 1, 2026 must be updated to comply with the new rules.
• The government has confirmed it will publish a draft model tenancy agreement in January 2026, giving landlords and agents time to prepare.

For tenancies created before May 1, 2026, you will not need to issue a new agreement. However, you will be required to serve tenants with a government-published information sheet explaining the changes by May 31, 2026.