Why existing tenancy agreements need checking
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolished assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) and converted all private residential tenancies in England into open-ended periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. Standard templates downloaded prior to May 2026 frequently contain clauses that are now legally void or prohibited under statutory law.
Continuing to issue outdated agreements exposes landlords to local authority enforcement fines of up to £7,000, statutory damages, and possession bars under Section 8.
Essential checklist: what your tenancy agreement must contain
- Statutory Written Statement: Landlords must provide a written statement of terms setting out the core details of the tenancy (rent, payment dates, property description, and parties).
- Periodic terms only: Fixed terms (such as “12-month fixed term”) are legally void. Tenancies run month-to-month from day one.
- Rent review clause removal: Contractual rent review clauses (such as automatic RPI-linked increases) are unlawful. Rent can only be increased using statutory Form 4A under Section 13 once every 12 months.
- Permitted fees only: Any clause imposing admin fees, checkout fees, inventory charges, or renewal fees breaches the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and can block future possession proceedings.
- Deposit caps: Maximum 5 weeks’ rent for tenancies under £50,000 per annum, with statutory prescribed information provided within 30 days of receipt.
- Statutory Information Sheet: Landlords must supply the official GOV.UK Information Sheet alongside the tenancy terms.
Common unlawful clauses to remove immediately
- “Tenant must give 2 months’ notice to quit”: Under the Act, tenants can terminate a periodic tenancy with 2 months’ written notice, but cannot be contractually forced into longer notice periods.
- “Section 21 surrender agreements”: Any pre-signed agreement to surrender possession or reference to Section 21 is void.
- “No pets without non-refundable pet deposit”: Tenants have a statutory right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords may require pet insurance, but cannot charge an extra deposit exceeding the 5-week cap.
How Comprent automates online agreement checks
Comprent provides a compliant, automated periodic tenancy generator and agreement verification engine built strictly around Renters’ Rights Act 2025 rules. It automatically strips prohibited fees, enforces statutory deposit caps, incorporates Ground 4A prior notice terms where applicable, and ensures your tenancy agreements remain fully compliant with zero guesswork.