England Lease & Tenancy Agreement Requirements
Review essential requirements for residential tenancy agreements in England, including banned fees, pet rights, and the end of fixed-term ASTs.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.
England Tenancy Agreement Requirements
The structure of residential tenancy agreements in England is undergoing a fundamental transformation. From 1 May 2026, all new tenancies will be assured periodic tenancies (APTs) — fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will cease to exist. Existing ASTs will automatically convert to periodic tenancies on that date.
The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025:
- Landlords can no longer offer fixed-term residential tenancies (e.g., 6-month or 12-month ASTs).
- All tenancies will be periodic (rolling month-to-month or week-to-week), providing tenants with greater flexibility.
- Tenants can end a periodic tenancy by giving 2 months' notice at any time.
- Landlords can only end a tenancy using specific Section 8 grounds with the appropriate notice period.
Essential Tenancy Agreement Elements
A compliant English residential tenancy agreement should include:
- Full names of the landlord and all tenants.
- Property address and a clear description of the rented accommodation.
- Rent amount, payment frequency, and due date.
- Deposit amount and the name of the TDP scheme protecting it.
- Start date of the tenancy.
- Responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.
- Restrictions on the use of the property.
Banned Fees (Tenant Fees Act 2019)
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords and letting agents from charging tenants most fees. The only permitted payments are:
| Permitted Payment | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent | As agreed |
| Security Deposit | 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks if rent ≥ £50,000/year) |
| Holding Deposit | 1 week's rent |
| Rent in Advance | 1 month's rent maximum (from May 2026) |
| Default Fees | Reasonable charges for lost keys or late rent (interest at 3% above BoE base rate) |
| Council Tax & Utilities | If contractually the tenant's responsibility |
[!WARNING] Charging a banned fee is a criminal offence. Initial breaches attract a fine of up to £5,000. Repeated breaches within 5 years constitute a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine.
Tenant's Right to Keep Pets
From May 2026, tenants will have the right to request consent to keep a pet. Landlords can only refuse if they have a reasonable objection. If consent is granted, the landlord may require the tenant to obtain pet damage insurance to cover any potential damage.
Deploy Compliant English Tenancy Agreements
Generic tenancy templates that still reference fixed-term ASTs or include banned fees will expose you to massive fines. Landager provides up-to-date, Renters' Rights Act-compliant tenancy agreement templates with all banned fee provisions automatically excluded.
Create compliant English tenancy agreements with Landager
Sources & Official References
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