Home / Glossary / Tenancy agreement
What is Tenancy agreement?
Last verified 31 October 2026
A tenancy agreement is the contract between a landlord and tenant setting out the terms of the let. In England it can be written or spoken, but since 1 May 2026 an assured tenancy cannot have a fixed end date.
Why it matters to landlords
If the agreement is oral, you must also give the tenant the key terms in writing. For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, the written information must be provided before the agreement is signed. If a pre-May 2026 agreement was written, the landlord instead gives the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, with a deadline of 31 May 2026 that has passed. A tenant can complain to the local council, which can take enforcement action.
An end date written into an assured tenancy has no effect. Assured tenancies run on a rolling basis, such as weekly or monthly, until you and the tenant agree to end it, the tenant ends it, or you regain possession. You also cannot ask for or accept rent before the agreement is signed. These rules cover England. Scotland uses private residential tenancies and Wales uses occupation contracts.
Example
Alan agrees a new let of a two bedroom flat on 15 June 2026 at £950 a month. Before signing he gives the tenants the written information about the key terms. The agreement is monthly rolling with no end date, and he takes no rent until after signing.
Related terms
- Assured shorthold tenancy (AST)
- Periodic tenancy
- Renters' Rights Act
- Rent in advance
- Private residential tenancy