Key Takeaways:
A tenancy agreement is one of the most important documents you will come across when renting a home. Whether you are moving into your first flat, relocating to a new city or reviewing a tenancy agreement in the UK for the first time, understanding what you are signing matters.
The UK rental market has also changed significantly in recent years. Following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026, fixed term tenancy agreements have largely been removed for many private renters and replaced by periodic tenancies. As the rules around renting continue to evolve, understanding how tenancy agreements work has become more important than ever.
In this guide, we explain what a tenancy agreement is, what it should include, the different types of tenancy agreements in the UK and what renters should know before signing.
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a tenant and landlord that sets out the terms of a rental arrangement. It explains the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including how much rent is paid, when payments are due and the rules that apply during the tenancy.
Most tenancy agreements in the UK are provided in writing, although verbal agreements can still exist in some circumstances. Once your offer has been accepted, referencing and affordability checks have been completed, and a rent guarantor arranged if required, your letting agent or landlord will usually prepare the tenancy agreement for review and signing before you move in.
Understanding what is included before signing can help avoid confusion and give you a clearer picture of your rights as a renter.
A tenancy agreement covers the practical and legal details of your tenancy. While agreements vary between landlords and property types, most tenancy agreements in the UK will include the following information:
This section confirms who the agreement applies to, including the names of tenants, the landlord or letting agent, and the address of the rental property.
Your agreement should explain how much rent you pay, when it is due, how it should be paid and whether any charges or fees apply.
Tenancy agreements usually include details about your deposit amount and how it will be protected under an approved deposit protection scheme.
This may include rules relating to pets, smoking, decorating, guests or other conditions that apply during your tenancy.
The agreement should outline who is responsible for maintenance and repairs, although landlords cannot remove legal obligations through contract terms.
This section explains how notice works, when either party can end the tenancy and the process that needs to be followed.
There are several types of tenancy agreement, each working in a slightly different way. The type of agreement you have affects how your tenancy operates, how long you can stay in the property and how notice periods work.
These are some of the most common tenancy agreement types renters will come across in the UK.
A periodic tenancy runs on a rolling basis, usually month-to-month, without a fixed end date. The tenancy continues until either the tenant gives notice or the landlord legally regains possession of the property.
Periodic agreements are commonly used in the private rental sector and give tenants greater flexibility because there is no set end date built into the agreement. Periodic agreements can apply to individuals, couples or groups renting together under the same tenancy.
A fixed term tenancy runs for an agreed period, such as six or twelve months, with a defined start and end date. During the fixed period, the agreement usually remains in place unless both parties agree changes or there is a breach of the tenancy terms.
Historically, fixed term agreements were widely used across the private rental market and may still apply in certain specialist housing arrangements, including some forms of student accommodation.
Licence agreements are usually used when you rent a room in a property where the landlord also lives there. Unlike a standard tenancy agreement, a licence agreement generally provides fewer legal protections and different notice rules.
This arrangement is commonly used for lodgers, temporary accommodation and some forms of shared housing.
The Renters’ Rights Act introduced some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in recent years. For many private renters in England, fixed term tenancies have been replaced by periodic agreements that continue on a rolling basis rather than ending after a set six or twelve-month term.
The changes are designed to give tenants greater flexibility and stronger protections, while also changing how notice periods, rent payments and tenancy agreements operate. If you signed a tenancy agreement before May 2026, you may have seen existing arrangements automatically move across to the new structure.
Before signing a tenancy agreement, take time to review the details carefully. Small clauses and conditions can sometimes create confusion later, particularly around notice periods, costs and responsibilities.
Before signing, check:
A tenancy agreement is more than a formality. It sets out how your tenancy works, what you are responsible for and what your landlord must provide in return. Taking time to read it properly before signing can help you understand your rights, avoid disputes and feel more confident before moving in.
With fixed term tenancy agreements now largely replaced by periodic tenancies for many private renters, understanding your agreement is especially important. If anything feels unclear, ask questions before signing. Understanding your tenancy agreement at the start can help avoid problems later.
No, tenancy agreements can legally be verbal, but written agreements are strongly recommended and almost always used because they provide clarity and protection for both parties.
Yes, tenancy agreements can usually be changed if both the tenant and landlord agree to the changes.
Yes, verbal tenancy agreements can exist in the UK, although written agreements are much easier to enforce if disputes arise.
Following changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, many private renters can now end a tenancy by serving notice under a periodic agreement, rather than waiting for a traditional six or twelve-month fixed term to expire.
For many private renters, tenancy agreements now continue on a rolling periodic basis rather than ending on a fixed date. The tenancy ends when a tenant gives notice or a landlord legally regains possession, after which the move-out process typically includes final inspections, returning keys and arranging the return of any deposit.
A periodic tenancy is a rolling agreement without a fixed end date that continues until the tenant gives notice or the landlord legally regains possession.
No, not on their own. Changes to a tenancy agreement generally require agreement from both the landlord and tenant.
Yes, if multiple tenants are named on the agreement, each named tenant will usually need to sign before the tenancy begins.
Yes. While deposits are common, some landlords and professionally managed developments offer tenancies with reduced or no deposit options.
Sometimes. Tenancy agreements can include pet rules, although changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act have given tenants stronger rights to request permission for pets.
If you have questions about a tenancy agreement, notice periods, rent guarantors or the latest rental rules, our team can help. Whether you are renting for the first time or preparing for your next move, getting clear advice early can make the process much easier.
Simply fill out the form or for immediate assistance call us on +44 (0) 203 002 2650.
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