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What is Statutory periodic tenancy?
Last verified 31 October 2026
A statutory periodic tenancy is the name often used for a rolling tenancy that follows an ended fixed term without a new agreement being signed. In England the GOV.UK landlord guidance does not use that phrase and talks about assured periodic tenancies instead.
Why it matters to landlords
Since 1 May 2026, GOV.UK says assured or assured shorthold tenancies that began before that date became assured periodic tenancies, and every new private tenancy in England is periodic with no end date. Where a tenancy was already rolling, it simply continued as an assured periodic tenancy. You do not need to replace the written agreement.
What matters is the notice. The tenant gives 2 months' notice in writing, ending on a rent due day or the day before, unless a shorter period is agreed in writing, and you cannot ask for more than 2 months. You can only end the tenancy through a valid possession ground and section 8 notice, which is usually at least 2 months and can be up to 4 months depending on the ground. Keep the original agreement on file, as its other terms still apply. Check the position separately in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Example
Tara's tenant in Oxford stayed on after a 12 month term ended in March 2026, with no new agreement signed. From 1 May 2026 the tenancy is assured periodic. Tara keeps the original agreement and records the monthly rent due day, 5th, so she can check the 2 months' notice dates.
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