The new starting point
From 1 May 2026, most existing assured shorthold tenancies in England became assured periodic tenancies. New private tenancies are periodic too, running week to week or month to month without a fixed end date. If you rent a room but do not live with your landlord, this is likely to be the framework that matters.
Existing tenants did not normally need to sign a replacement agreement. Landlords had to provide the government information sheet by 31 May 2026, or written key terms where no written agreement existed.
Money, pets and advertised rent
A landlord cannot ask for or accept rent before the agreement is signed. Once signed, they can normally ask for no more than one month’s rent in advance. Written adverts must state a rent and landlords cannot encourage or accept bids above it.
You can request a pet and the landlord must consider the request, giving a reason if they refuse. A rent increase can normally happen only once a year, not in the first 12 months of a new tenancy, using Form 4A and at least two months’ notice.
Leaving or being asked to leave
A tenant can normally end an assured periodic tenancy with two months’ written notice timed to a rent day, unless both sides agree something shorter. Landlords must use a valid possession ground and the correct notice process; Section 21 is no longer available for these tenancies.
Lodgers, halls residents and some other arrangements follow different rules. Identify your status before relying on a notice rule.
Official sources and further reading
- Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenantsGOV.UK · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Fees you can charge as part of a tenancyGOV.UK