Assured Periodic Tenancies (AST)

An Assured Periodic Tenancy is a type of tenancy that has no fixed end date. Instead of signing a contract for 6 or 12 months, the tenancy "rolls" from one period to the next (usually month-to-month) from the very first day.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, this became the mandatory structure for all private rentals. It is designed to give tenants more flexibility to move when they need to, while providing greater security by removing the threat of "no-fault" evictions.

You can find the gov.uk guide on Assured Periodic Tenancies here.

Key Features

• No Fixed Term: You are never "locked in" for a year. You can leave at any time by giving the standard Moving Out Notice (usually 2 months).
• Foregone "No-Fault" Evictions: Landlords can no longer end a tenancy simply because the "term is up." They must now provide a valid legal reason under Section 8.
• Rolling Payments: Rent is typically paid monthly, and the "period" of the tenancy matches your payment frequency.
• Automatic Conversion: As of May 2026, all old ASTs have automatically converted into this new periodic format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still stay in my home long-term? Yes! In fact, you have more security now. Because there is no "end date," the tenancy continues indefinitely until you choose to leave or the landlord successfully applies to court using a specific legal ground (like selling the property).

Do I need to sign a new contract every year? No. One of the biggest benefits of an Assured Periodic Tenancy is that it stays in place without the need for "renewal fees" or the administrative hassle of signing new paperwork every 12 months.

How do I end this type of tenancy? You can end the tenancy at any time by giving your landlord two months' notice in writing. This gives tenants much more freedom if their life circumstances change, such as a new job or a change in family size.