Propertymark has released a compliant Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement for its letting agent members in advance of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation on 1 May.
The legislation abolishes fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and transitions all tenancies to a rolling, periodic system. From 1 May, all new and existing tenancies will operate as Assured Periodic Tenancies.
The professional body states that its tenancy agreement reflects the legislative changes and enables members to issue contracts meeting the new legal requirements.
Key legislative changes
Under the Act, tenants will be able to end their tenancy at any time by providing a minimum of two months’ notice. Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be removed, with possession cases relying on revised Section 8 grounds.
Additional requirements for landlords and agents include:
- Rent increases limited to once per year, with rent bidding prohibited
- Landlords or agents must provide a written statement of key terms by 31 May 2026 where no written tenancy agreement exists
- Tenants with existing tenancies must receive the Information Sheet by 31 May
- Rent in advance payments cannot exceed one month’s rent and cannot be taken before the agreement is signed
- Discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits will be unlawful
Availability
The APT agreement is available to members of ARLA Propertymark and those who are part of its ‘Company Advantage’ package.
The changes represent a significant shift in the English rental market structure, ending the use of fixed-term tenancies that have been standard practice for landlords and agents.