
1) A Tenancy Isn’t Legal Without a Signed Tenancy Agreement
Wrong.
Landlords do not need a written tenancy agreement in order to create a legally binding tenancy, although having one is strongly recommended. A tenancy agreement can also be formed verbally – although, needless to say, this is a risky and unsafe option for both landlord and tenant.
A verbal tenancy agreement is still legally valid in many cases, even without anything in writing.
In most cases, where a tenant pays rent below £100,000 per year, moved into the property on or after 28 February 1997, and has exclusive occupation (i.e. the landlord cannot enter without permission except in agreed circumstances), a tenancy is created automatically – even without a signed agreement.
2) You Need to Renew a Tenancy Agreement After It Expires
Wrong.
Double-wrong after the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.
This is all you need to know:
- Automatic Conversion to Periodic Tenancies: All Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England automatically became Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) when the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026.
- No Fixed End Date: Tenancies no longer have a fixed term end date (for example, a traditional 12-month fixed term). Instead, they continue automatically on a rolling basis – usually monthly, although sometimes weekly depending on how rent is paid. So there actually is no expiry date.
- Tenancies Continue Indefinitely: Tenancies can continue indefinitely until they are lawfully terminated. This principle has always existed and is not new under the Renters’ Rights Act.
- No Routine Renewal Required: As a result, landlords and tenants no longer need to routinely renew tenancy agreements, particularly as one of the main historical reasons for renewal was to create a new fixed term.
3) A Tenancy Agreement Has to Have a Minimum of 6 or 12 Months
Wrong.
And once again, double-wrong, thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act.
- Periodic Tenancy Structure Based on Rent Periods: Periodic tenancies operate in line with rent payment periods. For example, if rent is paid monthly, each tenancy period effectively runs from one rent due date to the next.
- No Fixed Minimum Duration: In theory, a tenancy can continue indefinitely until it is lawfully ended. There is no expiry date, only legally defined events that allow termination, such as valid grounds for possession (for example, tenant breach).
- Tenant Notice Period Rules: In theory, the minimum a tenancy can be is most likely going to be 2 months for most tenancies. Tenants are able to remain in the property until they choose to leave by giving two months’ notice (although tenancy agreements may allow for a shorter notice period, they cannot require more than two months), so tenants can effectively serve notice on the first day of the tenancy start date.
4) Only Letting Agents Can Legally Create Tenancy Agreements
Wrong.
I have actually had a letting agent tell me this before. It is a long and rather ridiculous story, but essentially the agent wanted me to pay a hefty admin fee just to print and issue a copy of their tenancy agreement.
The bottom line is that letting agents are NOT the only party who can legally create tenancy agreements.
5) Tenancy Agreements Need to Be Completed by a Qualified Professional
Wrong.
Again, complete piffle.
6) You can put any clause in a Tenancy Agreement
Absolutely wrong.
Before adding any custom or “off-the-shelf” clauses into a tenancy agreement, you must ensure they are legally enforceable.
Every clause in a tenancy agreement must be fair and compliant with legislation. Unfair terms may be unenforceable, even if both parties have signed the agreement.
Both landlords and tenants also have statutory rights set out in the Housing Act 1988. Any clause that conflicts with statutory rights will not be legally enforceable, regardless of what the agreement says.
It is important to be careful when adding clauses to pre-written or purchased tenancy agreements, as doing so may unintentionally restrict your legal rights. If you wish to include additional clauses, it is advisable to seek professional advice before doing so.
Can you think of anymore?
Got any corkers up your sleeve? Feel free to drop a comment and share!
Landlord out xo
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
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Hi, i have a question, would be grateful for some advise. I have rented my property out and the tenancy expired 11april 2015. New agreement hasnt been signed yet, but i need to move back. Can i ask tenants to move out, say within 2 months? Or do ihave to sign a 6 month tenancy and wait for that to expire?