How to prepare existing tenancies for the Renters' Rights Act 2025

Existing assured shorthold tenancies will convert to assured periodic tenancies when the Renters' Rights Act 2025 commences. This guide helps landlords get ready.

7 min read · Updated 23 August 2026

Overview

Existing assured shorthold tenancies will convert to assured periodic tenancies when the Renters' Rights Act 2025 commences. This guide helps landlords update documents, notices, deposits and communications before the switch.

Check your tenancy agreements

Remove any wording that assumes a fixed term will end. Clarify that the tenancy becomes periodic and that rent increases follow the new statutory process. Do not charge a renewal fee.

Review deposit amounts

If the deposit was capped correctly under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, it can stay protected. Do not ask for a top up unless the rent genuinely increases and the new deposit still stays within the five week cap.

Update notice templates

Replace Section 21 notices with the reformed Section 8 grounds. Make sure your templates include the mandatory information, correct notice periods and space for evidence.

Communicate with tenants

Send a clear written summary of what is changing and what is staying the same. Keep a copy of the communication. Avoid implying that tenants must sign a new agreement unless they choose to.

Plan for rent reviews

You can only increase rent using the statutory procedure once in any 12 month period. Give the correct notice and use the prescribed form. Document the rent history.

Record everything

Maintain a complete file for each tenancy. Courts, ombudsmen and deposit adjudicators will look at your records if a dispute arises.

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This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.