What changed
From 1 May 2026 all assured tenancies in England are open-ended periodic tenancies. Fixed terms cannot be agreed, and the Section 21 route that was tied to the AST regime was abolished on the same date.
What it means for landlords
Existing agreements did not need re-signing. The tenancy simply continues on a periodic basis under the new rules, with possession available only on the statutory Section 8 grounds and rent increases only via Section 13.
Frequently asked questions
Do ASTs still exist?
No. On 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs in England converted automatically to assured periodic tenancies, and new ASTs cannot be created.
Did landlords have to issue new contracts?
No. Conversion was automatic, though landlords were required to give tenants the government's Renters' Rights Act information sheet.
Related terms
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