Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Template 2025
Updated Tenancy Agreement Template – Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Compliance Guide
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template is essential for landlords operating in England under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The legal framework has fundamentally changed, and using outdated agreements is now a serious compliance risk.
This guide explains how to ensure your Updated Tenancy Agreement Template is fully compliant, enforceable, and aligned with the new legal structure.
Understanding the Updated Tenancy Agreement Template
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template replaces the traditional assured shorthold tenancy model. From May 2026, most residential tenancies are periodic from the outset.
This means there is no fixed end date. The tenancy continues until it is legally ended.
Landlords must now rely on statutory possession grounds rather than automatic expiry.
Key Legal Changes Affecting the Updated Tenancy Agreement Template
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must reflect major legislative changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Fixed-term tenancies are no longer the standard structure. Section 21 has been abolished. Possession must be obtained through Section 8 grounds only.
Rent increases are now strictly controlled through a statutory process. Tenants have stronger rights, including the ability to challenge rent increases and request permission for pets.
Any tenancy agreement that does not reflect these changes is likely to be non-compliant.
Why the Updated Tenancy Agreement Template Is Essential
A tenancy can still exist without a written agreement. However, this creates significant risk.
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template ensures that all legal obligations are clearly set out. It protects landlords by defining rent terms, responsibilities, and possession procedures.
Without a compliant agreement, enforcement becomes difficult and costly.
Diagram: Typical Structure of an AST Agreement
Assured Periodic Agreement
Parties Involved
Property Details
Tenancy Term
Rent and Payment Terms
Deposit Details
Landlord Obligations
Tenant Obligations
Use of Property
Grounds for Eviction
Additional Clauses
Signature
Tenancy Structure Under the New Law
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must confirm that the tenancy is periodic.
Tenancies no longer expire automatically. They continue indefinitely unless ended lawfully.
Tenants can leave by giving notice. Landlords must rely on statutory grounds to recover possession.
This is a fundamental shift from the previous system.
Rent and Payment Terms in the Updated Tenancy Agreement Template
Rent provisions must be carefully drafted.
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must reflect that rent increases can only occur through the statutory process. Increases are generally limited to once per year.
Tenants now have the right to challenge increases through the tribunal.
Any clause that attempts to bypass this process is likely to be unenforceable.
Possession and Eviction Rules
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must remove all references to Section 21.
Landlords can only recover possession using valid legal grounds under Section 8.
Each ground has its own requirements and notice periods. Failure to follow the correct process will result in delays or dismissal by the court.
Deposits and Legal Compliance
Deposit protection rules remain strict.
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must clearly set out how the deposit is held, protected, and returned.
Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and restrictions on possession claims.
Tenant Rights and Obligations
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must reflect strengthened tenant rights.
Tenants have greater security of tenure. They also have the right to request pets, which cannot be unreasonably refused.
At the same time, tenants must continue to meet their obligations. These include paying rent, maintaining the property, and reporting issues.
What Makes a Tenancy Agreement Non-Compliant
Using outdated wording is one of the biggest risks.
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must not include fixed-term structures that conflict with the law. It must not refer to Section 21 or include unlawful rent increase clauses.
Unfair terms may be struck out under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This weakens the landlord’s position and creates legal uncertainty.
Customising the Updated Tenancy Agreement Template
Every property is different. A standard template should always be adapted.
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template must reflect the specific property, the type of tenancy, and current legislation.
Failure to customise correctly can result in serious legal issues.
Common Mistakes Landlords Must Avoid
Many landlords continue to use old AST agreements. This is no longer acceptable.
Failing to update possession clauses is another major issue. Incorrect rent increase wording is also common.
These mistakes can lead to invalid notices and costly delays.
Conclusion
The Updated Tenancy Agreement Template is now a critical legal document. It must reflect the new periodic tenancy structure, statutory rent controls, and the removal of Section 21.
Landlords who fail to update their agreements risk unenforceable terms, delayed possession, and financial penalties.
Ensuring your Updated Tenancy Agreement Template is fully compliant is essential for protecting your property and your position.
Useful External Links
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-agreements-a-guide-for-landlords
https://www.gov.uk/rent-increases
https://www.legislation.gov.uk
FAQs
What is an Updated Tenancy Agreement Template
It is a tenancy agreement drafted to comply with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the current legal framework.
Do I still use an assured shorthold tenancy agreement
No. Most tenancies are now periodic and must reflect the new legal structure.
Can I still evict a tenant without a reason
No. Section 21 has been abolished. You must rely on legal grounds.
How often can I increase rent
Generally once per year using the statutory process.
Can tenants challenge rent increases
Yes. Tenants can apply to the tribunal if they believe the increase is unfair.
Do I need a written tenancy agreement
Yes. It is essential for compliance and enforcement.
Do I have to allow pets
You must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse.
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Date: 1st of May 2026
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