Propertymark has rolled out a fully compliant Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement for its letting agent members, ahead of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into effect on 1 May 2026.
The legislation marks a major shift 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 needed to stay compliant and support landlords through the transition.
From 1 May, all new and existing tenancies will automatically become Assured Periodic Tenancies. Tenants can end their tenancy with at least two months’ notice, while Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will be removed, leaving possession claims to rely on updated Section 8 grounds. Propertymark’s new agreement reflects these changes, giving agents a ready-to-use solution that meets the new legal requirements from day one.
Key changes letting agents need to prepare for:
Fixed-term tenancies abolished: All agreements will automatically become periodic.
Tenant notice periods: Tenants can end tenancies at any time with two months’ notice.
Rent increases: Rent can only rise once a year; rent bidding is banned.
Possession rules: Section 8 will be the sole route to possession, including grounds for student housing, worker occupancy, and property sales.
Written statements: Where no written agreement exists, landlords or agents must provide key terms in writing by 31 May 2026.
Information sheet: Tenants with existing written agreements must receive the Information Sheet by 31 May.
Rent in advance limits: Payments cannot exceed one month’s rent and must not be taken before signing.
Anti-discrimination: It will be unlawful to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits.
Propertymark is advising all agents to review and update their tenancy documentation and ensure landlords understand the removal of Section 21 and the shift to a periodic tenancy model.
A compliant Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement is available to members of ARLA Propertymark and those on the Company Advantage package. The template is part of Propertymark’s toolkit, which includes guidance, training, fact sheets, FAQs, and other resources to help agents and landlords prepare for the changes.
Propertymark members can access the APT here.
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