Tenancy agreements and paying rent

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Once you’ve agreed to rent a property, the next step is understanding your tenancy agreement and how rent payments work. From 1 May 2026, changes under the Renters’ Rights Act mean private renters will have stronger rights and clearer rules around tenancies and rent. This includes things like periodic tenancies rather than fixed term, limits to rent in advance, and when and how rent is paid.

This guide explains what to expect before you move in, what information you should receive, and how paying rent works under the new system.

What type of tenancy will I have?

From 1 May 2026, private renters in England will have an assured periodic tenancy.

This means:

• Your tenancy will roll on from month to month (or week to week)
• There is no fixed end date, even if you previously signed a fixed‑term contract
• Existing assured shorthold tenancies (previously known as ASTs) will automatically convert to this new type of tenancy

You don’t usually need to sign a new agreement for this change to take effect.

Do I still get a tenancy agreement?

Yes. While tenancies no longer have a fixed term, landlords must still provide clear written information about your tenancy.

This will usually be in the form of a tenancy agreement and must set out:

• Who the landlord is
• How much rent you pay and how often
• How rent increases work
• Your responsibilities, and the landlord’s responsibilities

If you already have a written agreement, your landlord must give you a government‑produced information sheet explaining how your tenancy has changed under the new law.

When do I need to pay rent?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, there are new rules about when rent can be paid.

• Your landlord cannot ask for or accept rent before you’ve signed the tenancy agreement
• Once the agreement is signed, they can ask for a maximum of one month’s rent in advance
• Rent is then paid on a regular basis, usually monthly

These rules are designed to prevent renters being asked for large upfront payments before a tenancy is confirmed.

Can a landlord ask for more than one month’s rent upfront?

No. From 1 May 2026:

• Landlords and agents cannot require more than one month’s rent in advance
• Rent cannot be taken before the tenancy agreement is signed
• Any rent requested outside these rules is considered a prohibited payment

This applies even if a renter offers to pay more upfront.

How is rent usually paid?

Rent is normally paid by:

• Standing order
• Bank transfer

Your tenancy agreement should clearly state:

• The rent amount
• When it’s due
• How it should be paid

Keeping a record of payments can help avoid misunderstandings later on.

Can my landlord increase the rent?

Rent increases are more tightly controlled under the new rules.

• Rent can usually only be increased once a year
• Landlords must use a formal notice and give at least two months’ notice
• You can challenge an increase if you think it’s excessive

Your agreement should explain how rent increases work in practice.

What if something isn’t clear in my tenancy agreement?

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:

• How much rent you’ll pay
• When payments start
• What happens if you want to leave
• What notice your landlord must give

If anything is unclear, ask the landlord or letting agent to explain it in writing. Understanding your agreement upfront can help you feel confident and avoid issues later on.

FAQs

• Do I still need to sign a tenancy agreement?

  Yes. Even though most tenancies are now periodic, your landlord must still give you clear written information about your tenancy. This is usually provided in a tenancy agreement and explains things like rent, responsibilities and notice periods.

• Can my landlord ask me to pay rent before I sign the agreement?

  From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents cannot ask for or accept rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed by both sides.

• How much rent can I be asked to pay upfront?

  Once the agreement is signed, your landlord can ask for up to one month’s rent in advance, but no more. They cannot require multiple months of rent upfront.

• What happens if I already had a fixed term tenancy?

  Most fixed‑term private tenancies automatically become rolling periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. You don’t usually need to sign a new agreement for this to happen.

• How often can my rent be increased?

  Rent can usually only be increased once a year and your landlord must give you at least two months’ notice using the correct process. You can challenge an increase if you think it’s above market rent.