New Periodic Tenancy available!

Our New Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) Is Now Available for Members

We’re pleased to confirm that the ELA’s new Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement is now live and available exclusively to ELA members.

With the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords need tenancy agreements that are up to date, compliant, and fit for the new system. Our new APT has been carefully drafted to reflect the current legal framework and to provide clarity for both landlords and tenants from the very start of a tenancy.

Important changes from 1st May

From 1 May, the way tenancies are granted and managed changes significantly:

• The Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) can be used from 1st May

• Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs must not be used after 1st May)

• Section 21 is abolished it can no longer be used from 1st May

• The “How to Rent” guide will no longer need to be issued

• Rent increases will use a new Section 13 rent increase form (2 months notice)

• Possession proceedings will rely on updated Section 8 grounds and new prescribed forms

  
  

Because of these changes, using the correct tenancy agreement is essential. The ELA Assured Periodic Tenancy has been produced specifically to reflect the post‑1 May system.

What you don’t need to do from 1st May

One point worth being absolutely clear on:

You do not need to issue a new tenancy agreement from 1st May for existing tenancies.

All existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) automatically continue as assured periodic tenancies under the new rules. Nothing needs to be re‑signed.

In fact, issuing a new contract can sometimes create problems, as it can trigger the requirement to re‑supply all prescribed information, such as:

• Gas Safety Certificate

• Electrical Safety Report

• EPC

• Other required notices and certificates

  
  

If anything is missed during that process, landlords can accidentally put themselves at risk.

✅ What you do need to do

For all existing tenancies, the only new requirement is to provide your tenant with the Renters Rights Tenant Information Sheet added below.

• This is a simple, prescribed document explaining tenants’ rights under the new system

• It does not require a new contract

• It does not reset the tenancy

  
  

The Renters Rights Tenant Information Sheet is available below, or you can collect copies from the office.

If needed, we’re also happy to post copies out to you.

The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.pdf

Download PDF • 1.25MB

If in doubt: don’t re issue a new tenancy unless you’ve been advised to, the default position is leave the contract alone and provide the information sheet.

What is the ELA Assured Periodic Tenancy?

An assured periodic tenancy is now the default and ongoing form of tenancy for most private rented homes.

The ELA Assured Periodic Tenancy has been written specifically for landlords, with clear wording, sensible structure, and provisions that reflect how properties are actually managed in practice — not just how legislation reads on paper.

As with all ELA agreements, it has been developed with compliance, fairness and enforceability in mind.

Where to find it

The new Assured Periodic Tenancy agreement is available in the Landlord Toolkit, alongside our other member resources.

🔒 Access is restricted to members only

The agreement is not publicly available and is not linked directly through this blog. Members can log in and download it directly from the Toolkit, ready to use.

Why the APT is only available to members

Access to professionally drafted, up‑to‑date legal documents is a core benefit of being an ELA member.

Producing and maintaining tenancy agreements that reflect current law requires expert input and ongoing review as legislation and guidance change. Keeping these documents behind the members’ paywall ensures that:

• Members receive real, tangible value from their membership

• Agreements remain current, accurate and controlled

• Only landlords who actively support the Association are able to rely on and use ELA paperwork

  
  

The APT forms part of our wider suite of member‑only documents and tools in the Landlord Toolkit, supporting landlords with day‑to‑day compliance.

This approach isn’t about restricting information — it’s about delivering meaningful benefits to members.

Not a member yet?

If you’re not currently a member, you won’t be able to access the Assured Periodic Tenancy agreement but joining also gives you:

• Full access to the Landlord Toolkit

• Legally updated documents and guidance

• Advice, helplines and ongoing support

• Events, training and practical landlord resources

• Tax investigation insurance

• 10% off everything at B&Q

• Listing your property on Zoopla

  
  

For most landlords, membership quickly pays for itself in reduced risk, saved time and confidence that their paperwork is right.