New tenancy agreement requirements post-RRA

New tenancies must be periodic (rolling) from day one. You cannot grant a new 6-month or 12-month fixed-term AST. The default period is monthly (or weekly if rent is paid weekly). There is no minimum or maximum contractual length.

Existing fixed-term tenancies that were already running when the Act came into force continue until they expire, at which point they convert to periodic tenancies under the new rules.

Tenants can end a periodic tenancy by giving 2 months' written notice at any time - no restriction on when in the tenancy they can do so. This replaces the old 'no break in the first 6 months' arrangement.

Landlords can no longer include a blanket 'no pets' clause. Instead, you must consider each pet request. You can require the tenant to obtain pet insurance (cover for any damage caused by the pet) as a condition of consent, but you cannot refuse a reasonable request without good reason.

Rent can only be increased once per year, via the Section 13 process (Form 4A), regardless of what any rent review clause in the agreement says. Contractual rent review clauses that allow more frequent increases, or increases by reference to RPI/CPIH without a cap, are unenforceable.

Break clauses with fees or penalties for early tenant departure.

Clauses requiring the tenant to stay for a minimum period.

Rent-in-advance clauses requiring more than one month's rent in advance.

Clauses preventing the tenant from requesting a pet.

Any clause that attempts to contract out of the Act's protections.

Remove fixed-term language and replace with periodic terms.

Remove blanket no-pets clause; replace with a pet consent process with insurance requirement.

Update rent review clause to Section 13 process only.

Check your tenancy agreement template against the Act before using it for any new let.