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New UK landlord rules mean that fixed tenancies will be replaced by open-ended tenancies. Learn what you need to do to prepare for it.
Written by
Ryan Green
PUBLISHED ON
April 13, 2026
UPDATED ON
April 13, 2026
READ TIME
0 min
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces one of the most significant changes to the private rented sector (PRS) in decades: the move to open-ended tenancies.
For many landlords and tenants, this represents a shift away from the familiar structure of fixed-term agreements and renewals. Naturally, that raises questions about control, flexibility, and risk.
This guide breaks down what open-ended tenancies actually are, how they work in practice, and what landlords need to do to prepare.
Open-ended tenancies (often referred to as periodic tenancies) are rental agreements with no fixed end date.
Instead of running for a set term (e.g. 6 or 12 months), the tenancy continues indefinitely until either:
Under the Renters’ Rights reforms, fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are being replaced with this ongoing structure as the default.
The key difference is simple:
This removes the need for renewals but introduces a more structured framework for ending tenancies.
Open-ended tenancies will be introduced as part of the Renters’ Rights Act rollout (May phase 1 2026). All tenancies (new and existing) will become “Assured Periodic Tenancies” - i.e. rolling / open-ended tenancies with no fixed end date.
Fixed-term tenancy agreements will no longer be the standard model.
The shift to open-ended tenancies changes how landlords manage occupancy and plan ahead.
Tenancies no longer naturally “expire.” There is no built-in opportunity to reset terms or regain possession at the end of a fixed period.
The agreement rolls forward automatically, creating more stability for tenants but requiring landlords to think longer-term.
Tenants are no longer required to renew or renegotiate at fixed intervals, which may reduce turnover.
For landlords, this means less administrative work around renewals, but more reliance on clear processes and forward planning.
Yes. The ability to regain possession still exists- but the process is changing.
With the removal of Section 21 (“no-fault” evictions), landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds.
This means:
Common grounds include:
The key shift is from a discretion-based system to an evidence-based system.
Open-ended tenancies won’t just affect a small segment of the market - they will apply to virtually all private landlords in England.
According to government data, there are approximately:
In day-to-day terms, open-ended tenancies will change how landlords operate. This means:
Without fixed end dates, tenants may stay longer, reducing void periods but limiting flexibility.
Regaining possession requires clear documentation, valid grounds, and adherence to process.
From tenancy agreements to record keeping, everything needs to be accurate, consistent, and up to date.
This reflects a broader trend across the PRS: less informality, more regulation.
While the shift to open-ended tenancies is significant, preparation is less about learning something entirely new and more about tightening your processes and documentation.
You won’t be issuing new fixed-term agreements in the same way, so it’s important to ensure:
Without fixed end dates, you’ll rely more on ongoing management rather than renewal points. This includes having clear workflows for:
As possession becomes more evidence-based, documentation becomes critical. You should maintain clear records of:
You might want to try digital tools like Landlord Studio to make record keeping and tenancy management easier.
Open-ended agreements are likely to result in longer average tenant stays, so it’s worth:
Letting agents can help manage the increased compliance burden, particularly around:
No - but you will need to follow a more structured process to regain possession. Control shifts from timing (end of term) to compliance (valid grounds).
Tenancies are open-ended, but not irreversible. Landlords can still regain possession where a valid ground applies.
Yes. The process is still there - it is simply more regulated and evidence-based than before.
Yes, but rent increases must follow the correct legal process and notice requirements under the new rules.
Existing tenancies will transition, but you should review your agreements and processes to ensure they align with the new system.
Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by open-ended (periodic) agreements as the default from 1 May 2026.
Open-ended tenancies are part of a wider shift towards a more regulated private rented sector.
For landlords, this isn’t about losing flexibility entirely. It’s about operating within a clearer, more structured framework.
Those who rely on informal processes or short-term thinking may find the transition challenging. Those who adopt more organised, compliant systems will be better positioned to manage their properties with confidence.
Want to learn more about changes to renters’ rights phase 1? We’re hosting a free webinar: Renters’ Rights Changes: What UK Landlords MUST Do Before May 2026
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Renter's Rights changes are coming in May. Are you ready? In this webinar, we take a closer look at what phase 1 changes mean for landlords and what you need to do to stay compliant
Hosted by: Logan Ransley, Co-founder of Landlord Studio
When: 12pm Thursday 23rd April
Duration: 45 minutes, Live Webinar
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