Assured Shorthold Tenancies and the Renters' Rights Act 2025
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) were the standard private tenancy in England for decades. Since the Renters' Rights Act 2025 took effect on 1 May 2026, a new AST can no longer be created, and existing ASTs converted automatically to the new assured periodic tenancy. This page explains what changed and which document you need now.
What changed on 1 May 2026
- New fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created. Every new private tenancy in England is now a periodic assured tenancy from the outset.
- Existing ASTs converted automatically to assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026. Nothing needed re-signing for the conversion itself.
- Section 21 "no-fault" possession was abolished. Possession now runs through the Section 8 grounds.
Starting a new tenancy
You can no longer use an AST for a new let. The correct, current document is the Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement (APTA), drafted for the post-Renters'-Rights-Act framework.
Generate your APTAYou already have a tenancy
Your AST converted to an assured periodic tenancy on 1 May 2026. Your existing written agreement is still a useful record, but the terms that matter most — notice periods, rent increases, and possession — are now governed by the new statutory framework rather than the old AST wording. The landlord guide below sets out what to review.
Related
Reviewed by Connor Griffiths, Solicitor — Blackwell Advisory (SRA No. 821297)
Last reviewed: 4 June 2026