The Renters’ Rights Act is reshaping the rental landscape. While existing tenancy agreements remain valid, many landlords are choosing to update to Assured Periodic Tenancies that better reflect the new framework.
To support this, Gascoigne Halman is offering Assured Periodic Tenancies for a fixed fee £250 + VAT helping landlords modernise their agreements quickly and cost-effectively.
The legislation introduces important changes across the rental market, including updated tenant notice periods, new expectations around tenancy terms, and a stronger emphasis on transparency and fairness. One of the more surprising aspects is that existing agreements do not automatically need to be replaced, meaning many landlords are now operating under contracts that don’t fully reflect the new legal position.
While leaving agreements unchanged may feel like the simplest option, it can lead to unnecessary issues, including:
- Tenants relying on outdated terms, such as shorter notice periods
- Contractual misunderstandings
- Disputes at the end of a tenancy
Gascoigne Halman has already seen this in practice, with tenants believing they can still give one month’s notice, when the requirement is now two. Situations like this can quickly lead to confusion and potential tenancy voids, if expectations aren’t clearly set from the outset.
Rebecca Whitehead, Lettings Director at Gascoigne Halman, explains: “Although landlords aren’t legally required to issue new tenancy agreements, we strongly recommend it. With such significant changes to notice periods and tenant rights, having everything clearly documented helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone is working to the same expectations. Updating your tenancy agreement isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your position. The rental market is evolving, processes are taking longer, expectations are shifting and clarity is more important than ever.”
Although landlords should have provided tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet in May, this is only part of the picture. A revised tenancy agreement goes further, embedding the new rules into the day-to-day running of the tenancy and providing clarity in plain terms. This reduces the risk of disputes and gives landlords greater confidence in a market where regulation and perceived risk has increased.
For landlords looking to stay ahead of the curve, now is an ideal time to act. Gascoigne Halman is offering all landlords (both new and existing clients) the opportunity to create a new Assured Periodic Tenancy contract that reflects the latest legislation for £250 + VAT.
If you’d like to take up this offer, Gascoigne Halman’s lettings team is on hand to guide you through the process. Contact your local office to find out more or email Rebecca.Whitehead@gascoignehalman.co.uk with the subject line: APT Agreement.
