A periodic tenancy is a rental agreement that continues on a rolling basis. This is usually month to month, but sometimes week to week. There’s no set end date. The tenancy continues until the tenant or landlord gives proper notice.
2026 Update: Renting Rules Have Changed In England
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act changed important parts of private renting in England, including section 21 no-fault evictions, tenancy structure and several landlord obligations. The exact answer can depend on dates. Check when the tenancy, notice or rent increase happened.
GOV.UK guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act explains the main private-renting changes. In England, most private rented tenancies are now intended to work as rolling assured periodic tenancies. Landlords generally need a valid possession ground rather than a new section 21 notice. Rent increases usually need the correct section 13 process. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use different rules.
Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
Notice or possession | The date served, the ground relied on, and whether the landlord used the correct form. |
Rent increase | Whether the increase follows the correct process and whether comparable local rents support it. |
Tenancy type | Whether the agreement is now treated as periodic under the new rules. |
Evidence | Keep the tenancy agreement, notices, messages, rent history and photos of disrepair. |
With the Renters’ Rights Act, periodic tenancies are generally the standard for most private rentals. This means:
Tenants can end the tenancy by giving notice (usually one month).
Landlords must use specific legal grounds and give proper notice to end the tenancy.
Tenants generally have more flexibility and protection from unfair evictions.
Comparison Table: Periodic vs Fixed-Term Tenancy
Feature | Periodic Tenancy | Fixed-Term Tenancy |
|---|---|---|
Duration | Ongoing, no set end date | Set end date (e.g., 6 or 12 months) |
Notice to End (Tenant) | Usually 1 month | At end of fixed term or by break clause |
Notice to End (Landlord) | Must use legal grounds, give proper notice | At end of term or by break clause, may use Section 21 (now restricted) |
Flexibility (Tenant) | High—can leave with notice | Limited—bound until term ends |
Eviction Protection | Stronger under Renters’ Rights Act | Standard protections apply |
Rent Increases | Must follow legal process | Usually set for term, then renegotiated |
Security of Tenure | Ongoing, unless notice given | Secure until term ends |
Here’s a clear, practical table you can add to your article, comparing periodic and fixed-term tenancies under the new Renters’ Rights Act. This will help readers quickly understand the key differences.
Periodic tenancies offer more freedom for tenants and require landlords to follow stricter rules. If you want flexibility and security, this system is designed to protect you.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consider seeking professional support for your specific situation.
If you need more detail, our Applying for an EHCP After Refusal - Even After a Failed Appeal: What You Need to Know may help.
You might also find Deeds of Variation, IPDI, and Tax Anti-Avoidance: What You Need to Know useful.
For related issues, see Granny Annexe No Planning Permission: What You Need to Know.
How Caira Can Help
Caira by Unwildered can help you turn messy evidence into a clearer plan. You can upload tenancy agreements, rent notices, landlord messages, Universal Credit journal screenshots, photos and inspection reports, including PDFs, letters, screenshots, photos, forms, emails or notes, then ask Caira to summarise the timeline. She can spot missing evidence, draft a calm letter, or prepare questions for a solicitor, adviser, tribunal, court, dealer, landlord or public body. Caira is not a replacement for a regulated adviser in urgent or high-risk cases. She can help you get organised before you act.
