Notice Periods for Periodic Tenancies in 2026: What Landlords Must Know

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings significant changes to how periodic tenancies work in England, particularly around notice periods. With the 31 May 2026 deadline approaching, landlords and letting agents need to understand these new rules and ensure they're properly documented and communicated to tenants.

What Are Periodic Tenancies?

A periodic tenancy continues indefinitely until either party gives proper notice to end it. Unlike fixed-term tenancies with set end dates, periodic tenancies run from period to period—weekly, monthly, or quarterly—based on how rent is paid.

Most tenancies become periodic after an initial fixed term expires, though some start as periodic from day one. Understanding your tenancy type is crucial because different notice rules apply.

New Notice Period Rules Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025

The Act introduces clearer, more standardised notice periods for periodic tenancies, designed to provide better protection for tenants whilst maintaining reasonable flexibility for landlords.

Landlord Notice Periods

When landlords want to end a periodic tenancy, they must generally give:

• Two months' notice for most grounds for possession
• Four weeks' notice in specific circumstances (such as serious rent arrears)
• Notice aligned to tenancy periods - notices must expire at the end of a rental period

The notice must be in the prescribed form and served correctly. Simply sending an email or text message won't suffice—proper legal notice requires specific formatting and delivery methods.

Tenant Notice Periods

Tenants typically need to give:

• One month's notice for monthly periodic tenancies
• One week's notice for weekly periodic tenancies
• One rental period's notice as the minimum, ending on the last day of a tenancy period

These standardised periods replace the previous complex arrangements where notice periods could vary significantly.

Written Terms and Documentation Requirements

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 emphasises the importance of clear, written tenancy terms. This includes specific requirements around notice periods that must be properly documented and communicated.

What Must Be in Writing

Your tenancy agreement must clearly state:

• The type of tenancy (periodic or fixed-term)
• How rent is calculated and when it's due
• The rental periods (weekly, monthly, etc.)
• Notice requirements for both parties
• Any specific grounds that might allow shorter notice periods

"Proper documentation isn't just about compliance—it's about creating clarity and avoiding disputes. When notice periods are clearly explained from the start, both landlords and tenants know exactly where they stand."

Information Sheet Requirements

Landlords must provide tenants with the official GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026 before 31 May 2026. This document explains tenant rights and responsibilities, including notice requirements. Simply handing over a printed copy isn't enough—you need to demonstrate that tenants have received and understood this crucial information.

This is where Ploxit's compliance platform proves invaluable, automatically sending the required information sheet and maintaining detailed audit logs showing when documents were sent, opened, and acknowledged.

Compliance and Record-Keeping

Proper compliance goes beyond just following the rules—it requires maintaining defensible evidence that you've met your obligations.

Essential Records to Maintain

• Tenancy agreements with clear notice period clauses
• Proof of information sheet delivery and tenant acknowledgement
• Notice correspondence with delivery confirmations
• Rent payment records showing tenancy periods
• Any variations to standard notice periods

Common Compliance Pitfalls

Many landlords struggle with:

• Inconsistent tenancy periods - rent collected monthly but tenancy agreement specifying weekly periods
• Inadequate service of notices - using informal methods instead of prescribed legal procedures
• Missing documentation - failing to prove tenants received required information
• Calculation errors - getting notice periods wrong due to misunderstanding tenancy structure

Practical Steps for Landlords

Before 31 May 2026

1. Review existing tenancy agreements to ensure notice periods comply with new requirements
2. Identify all periodic tenancies in your portfolio
3. Prepare and send the official Information Sheet 2026 to all relevant tenants
4. Document the process with proper audit trails
5. Update standard tenancy templates for future lettings

Ongoing Compliance

• Regular portfolio reviews to identify tenancies becoming periodic
• Systematic information sharing with new tenants
• Consistent record-keeping across all properties
• Staff training for letting agents and property managers

Technology Solutions for Compliance

Managing compliance across multiple properties can be complex, especially for landlords with larger portfolios. Automated systems help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Ploxit streamlines this entire process by automatically managing information sheet distribution and maintaining comprehensive audit logs. Rather than manually tracking whether each tenant has received required documents, the platform handles delivery, monitors engagement, and provides defensible evidence of compliance.

Key Takeaways

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 creates clearer, more standardised notice periods for periodic tenancies, but compliance requires careful attention to detail:

• Understand your tenancy types and ensure notice periods are correctly documented
• Meet the 31 May 2026 deadline for information sheet distribution
• Maintain proper records showing compliance with all requirements
• Consider technology solutions to manage compliance systematically

Getting Professional Support

While this guide covers key requirements, property law can be complex, and individual circumstances vary. Consider consulting with qualified legal professionals for specific situations, particularly when dealing with complex tenancy arrangements or potential disputes.

For ongoing compliance management, platforms like Ploxit provide automated solutions that reduce administrative burden whilst ensuring you meet all legal requirements with proper documentation.

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This article provides general information about periodic tenancy notice periods under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. It should not be considered legal advice. Always consult qualified legal professionals for specific situations.