Agents urged to update contracts when new periodic tenancy agreements are issued

Propertymark has launched a fully compliant Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement for its letting agent members, ahead of the first phase of the Tenants Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026.

The legislation marks a major change in the private rented sector, replacing fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) with rolling, periodic agreements. In response, PropertyMark has provided members with the guidance and tools they need to stay in compliance and support landlords during the transition.

From 1 May, all new and existing tenancies will automatically become assured periodic tenancies. Tenants can end their tenancy with as little as two months’ notice, while Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will be removed, leaving possession claims dependent on the updated Section 8 basis. Propertymark’s new agreement reflects these changes, providing agents with a ready-to-use solution that meets the new legal requirements from day one.

The main changes agents need to prepare for:

• Fixed term tenancy ends: All agreements will automatically become periodic.
• Tenant Notice Period: Tenants can terminate the tenancy at any time with two months’ notice.
• Fare increased: The fare can increase only once a year; Rental bidding has been banned.
• Possession Rules: Section 8 will be the only route to possession, including grounds for student accommodation, employee occupancy and sale of property.
• Written statement: Where no written agreement exists, landlords or agents must provide the key terms in writing by 31 May 2026.
• information sheet: Tenants with existing written agreements must receive a notification letter by May 31.
• Fare in advance: Payment cannot exceed one month’s rent and must not be taken prior to signing.
• Anti Discrimination: It would be unlawful to discriminate against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.