✅
Free Compliance Tool
➡ Renamed from 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is now the Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. All existing ASTs converted automatically to periodic assured tenancies on that date. New tenancies are periodic from day one — no fixed term — and landlords must give every tenant a Written Statement of Terms.
UK Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) Compliance Checklist
Create an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) that follows the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and Housing Act 1988 requirements.
This interactive checklist covers:
• Landlord and tenant details
• Property description
• Tenancy term and rent provisions
• Deposit protection requirements
• Landlord and tenant obligations
• Restrictions and break clauses
• Termination notice and data protection
• Proper execution requirements
• Written Statement of Terms (RRA 2025 requirement)
All 67 compliance points are covered. The template handles all of them automatically.
This interactive checklist covers:
• Landlord and tenant details
• Property description
• Tenancy term and rent provisions
• Deposit protection requirements
• Landlord and tenant obligations
• Restrictions and break clauses
• Termination notice and data protection
• Proper execution requirements
• Written Statement of Terms (RRA 2025 requirement)
All 67 compliance points are covered. The template handles all of them automatically.
Interactive checklist • Save progress • Download as PDF • Full version unlocks free with email
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Or skip the checklist — have it all done for you with the template for £10 →
How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist to verify every requirement before, during, and after creating your Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement.
✅ Preparing Your APT
1. Before starting: Gather landlord details, tenant information, and property specifics
2. While completing: Verify every section against all 67 compliance points
3. Before signing: Check deposit protection, Written Statement of Terms and Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet requirements
⚠️ Critical Pre-Tenancy Requirements (RRA 2025)
📋 Deposit Protection: Must protect deposit within 30 days AND provide prescribed information.
📝 Government Information Sheet: For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, provide the current Renters' Rights Act 2025 Information Sheet to the tenant.
🔑 Gas Safety Certificate: Must provide valid certificate before tenant moves in.
⚡ EPC: Must provide Energy Performance Certificate (minimum E rating).
🚫 EICR: Electrical Installation Condition Report required (from April 2021).
🔵 Understanding Importance Levels
🔴 Critical: Required by law — needed for valid Section 8 possession proceedings
🟡 Important: Should have — protects against disputes
🔵 Recommended: Nice to have — best practice for clarity
UK Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) Compliance Checklist
67 Points | www.templatesuk.com
1. Landlord Details (5 items)
Landlord's Full Legal Name
Include the landlord's complete legal name. For individual landlords, use full name as on official documents. For company landlords, use the registered company name exactly as at Companies House. Joint landlords should all be named.
🔴 Critical
Landlord's Address for Service?Section 48 Landlord and Tenant Act 1987: Without a valid address in England/Wales for serving notices, rent is not legally due. Cannot be a PO Box. Can be agent's address if authorised.
Provide a valid address in England and Wales where notices can be served on the landlord. Required by Section 48 Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. Without this, rent is not legally due. Cannot be a PO Box.
🔴 Critical
Company Registration Number (if applicable)
If the landlord is a limited company, include the Companies House registration number. Helps verify the landlord's legal status and provides transparency to the tenant.
🔵 Recommended
Contact Details
Include telephone number and email address for day-to-day communication. Essential for tenant to report repairs, emergencies, and general enquiries. Best practice for good landlord-tenant relations.
🟡 Important
Managing Agent Details (if applicable)
If a letting agent manages the property, include agent's name, address, and contact details. Clarify whether agent is authorised to receive notices on behalf of landlord. State agent's role clearly.
🟡 Important
2. Tenant Details (4 items)
All Tenant Names Listed
List ALL tenants who will occupy the property and be party to the agreement. Each adult tenant should be named. For joint tenancies, all tenants are jointly and severally liable for the whole rent and all obligations.
🔴 Critical
Tenant Contact Details
Include current contact details for each tenant: phone number, email address, and forwarding address (if different from the property). Essential for communication and serving notices.
🟡 Important
Joint and Several Liability Stated?Joint and several liability means each tenant is responsible for 100% of the rent, not just their "share". If one tenant leaves or doesn't pay, you can pursue any of the remaining tenants for the full amount. Essential for enforcement.
For joint tenancies, explicitly state that tenants are jointly and severally liable. This means each tenant is responsible for the full rent and any breaches, not just their "share." Essential for enforcement.
🔴 Critical
Permitted Occupiers Named
List any permitted occupiers (e.g., children, family members) who will live at the property but are not tenants. They have no tenancy rights but their presence is permitted. Important for housing benefit and overcrowding rules.
🔵 Recommended
3. Property Details (5 items)
Full Property Address
Include the complete address of the rental property including postcode. For flats, include flat number and building name. Must be unambiguous - this defines exactly what is being let.
🔴 Critical
Property Type and Description
Describe the property type: house, flat, maisonette, studio, room in shared house, etc. Include number of bedrooms, reception rooms, and any key features. Helps avoid disputes about what was let.
🟡 Important
Fixtures and Fittings Included
List what is included with the property: furniture, white goods, carpets, curtains, garden equipment. Reference the inventory for detailed list. Prevents disputes about what tenant can use/must return.
🟡 Important
Parking Arrangements
Specify any parking included: garage, driveway, allocated space, permit. State if parking is exclusive or shared, and any associated costs. If no parking included, state this clearly to avoid assumptions.
🔵 Recommended
Garden/Outside Areas
Describe any garden, balcony, or outside areas included. Specify if exclusive use or shared with other properties. State responsibility for garden maintenance - usually tenant for everyday upkeep, landlord for major work.
🔵 Recommended
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4. Tenancy Term and Dates (5 items)
Tenancy Start Date
State the exact date the tenancy begins. This is when the tenant's rights and obligations commence, rent starts accruing, and the landlord must provide access. Usually the key handover date.
🔴 Critical
Periodic Tenancy Confirmed?Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (in force 1 May 2026), all assured tenancies in England are periodic from the start. Fixed terms are no longer available for new residential lets. Tenants can give 2 months' written notice to end the tenancy at any time.
Confirm the tenancy is a periodic assured tenancy. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, fixed-term tenancies are no longer available for new lets in England — all assured tenancies are periodic from day one, with rent payable monthly (or as set out in the agreement).
🔴 Critical
Rent Period and Start Date
State the date the tenancy starts and the rent period (almost always monthly under the RRA 2025 framework). There is no end date — the tenancy runs until ended by tenant notice (2 months) or landlord possession under Section 8 with a valid ground.
🔴 Critical
How the Tenancy Ends
Explain how the periodic assured tenancy can be ended: the tenant gives 2 months' written notice at any time; the landlord can only seek possession under Section 8 with a valid ground under the expanded Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 (with the 12-month protected period for Grounds 1 and 1A).
🟡 Important
Minimum Term Statement
Note: under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, residential break clauses no longer apply — tenancies are periodic with no fixed term. Tenants may end the tenancy at any time by giving 2 months' written notice. (This item is preserved for legacy fixed-term tenancies still running their original term from before 1 May 2026.)
🟡 Important
5. Rent Provisions (6 items)
Rent Amount Stated
State the exact rent amount clearly. Include both the periodic amount (e.g., £1,200 per calendar month) and the annual equivalent. No ambiguity - this is a fundamental term of the contract.
🔴 Critical
Payment Frequency
Specify how often rent is paid: weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly, monthly, quarterly. Most UK ASTs use calendar monthly (PCM). This determines the rental period for notice calculations.
🔴 Critical
Rent Due Date
State the exact day rent is due: "the 1st of each month" or "every Monday." "Monthly" alone is not sufficient. Clear due dates prevent disputes about late payment and are essential for rent arrears actions.
🔴 Critical
Payment Method
Specify how rent should be paid: standing order, bank transfer, direct debit. Include bank details or payment reference. Standing orders are preferred as landlord controls the amount. Cash payments should be avoided.
🟡 Important
First Rent Payment
State when the first rent payment is due and the amount (may be pro-rated if not starting on normal rent day). Clarify if rent in advance is required before key handover. Prevents confusion at tenancy start.
🟡 Important
Rent Review Clause (if applicable)
If including a rent review clause, specify: when reviews occur (e.g., annually), how increase is calculated (CPI, fixed %, market rent), and notice period. Without a clause, use Section 13 process. Optional but provides flexibility.
🔵 Recommended
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Complete APT template — all clauses included, Renters' Rights Act 2025 aligned.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
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6. Deposit Provisions (6 items)
Deposit Amount Stated?Tenant Fees Act 2019: Maximum 5 weeks' rent if annual rent under £50,000, or 6 weeks if £50,000+. Calculate: Monthly rent x 12 / 52 = weekly rent. Exceeding cap is a criminal offence with fines up to £30,000.
State the exact deposit amount. Under Tenant Fees Act 2019: maximum 5 weeks' rent if annual rent under £50,000, or 6 weeks if £50,000+. Calculate based on weekly rent (monthly rent × 12 ÷ 52). Exceeding cap is a criminal offence.
🔴 Critical
Deposit Protection Scheme Named?Three government-approved schemes: DPS (Deposit Protection Service - free custodial), MyDeposits, TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme). Must protect within 30 days of receipt. Failure to protect bars Section 8 possession proceedings AND tenant can claim 1-3x deposit.
State which government-approved scheme will protect the deposit: DPS (Deposit Protection Service), MyDeposits, or TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme). Must protect within 30 days of receipt. Failure to protect bars Section 8 possession proceedings and exposes the landlord to a penalty of 1-3 times the deposit.
🔴 Critical
Prescribed Information Statement
Confirm that prescribed information about the deposit will be provided within 30 days. This is separate from protecting the deposit — you must give written details about the scheme, deposit amount, and dispute procedures. Required for valid Section 8 possession proceedings.
🔴 Critical
Deposit Deduction Circumstances
List the circumstances where deductions may be made: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning if returned in worse condition, missing items, breach of tenancy. Be specific - vague terms are challenged.
🟡 Important
Deposit Return Process
Explain how and when the deposit will be returned: timeline (typically within 10 days of agreement on deductions), method of payment, process for agreeing any deductions, and reference to scheme's dispute resolution.
🟡 Important
Inventory Reference
Reference that deposit deductions will be assessed against the signed inventory and schedule of condition. The inventory is essential evidence for deposit claims. State that tenant should check and sign inventory at start.
🟡 Important
7. Landlord Obligations (6 items)
Quiet Enjoyment
Covenant that tenant can enjoy the property without interference from landlord. This is implied by law but should be stated. Landlord cannot enter without permission except emergencies. Fundamental tenant right.
🔴 Critical
Repair Obligations?Section 11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Landlord must maintain structure, exterior, and installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating. These are STATUTORY minimums - cannot be contracted out of. Tenant cannot be made responsible for these.
State landlord's repair obligations under Section 11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: structure, exterior, installations for water/gas/electricity/sanitation/heating. These are statutory minimums that cannot be contracted out of.
🔴 Critical
Safety Certificates Provision
Obligation to provide valid Gas Safety Certificate (annually), EICR (every 5 years from April 2021), EPC (minimum E rating), and smoke/CO alarms. All required by law and to support a valid Section 8 possession claim.
🔴 Critical
Insurance Responsibilities
State landlord maintains buildings insurance. Clarify that contents insurance is tenant's responsibility. Landlord's insurance typically doesn't cover tenant's belongings. Important distinction for claims.
🟡 Important
How to Rent Guide Provision
For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, provide the current Government Information Sheet under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 before or at tenancy start. Use the latest version. Can be provided electronically if the tenant agrees.
🔴 Critical
Response to Repairs
Commitment to respond to repair requests within reasonable timeframes. Best practice: emergency repairs (24-48 hours), urgent repairs (7 days), routine repairs (28 days). Sets clear expectations for both parties.
🔵 Recommended
8. Tenant Obligations (7 items)
Pay Rent on Time?Two months' arrears (8 weeks) is a mandatory ground for possession under Ground 8 Housing Act 1988. Late payment fees are now banned under Tenant Fees Act. Can only charge interest at 3% above BoE base rate on rent 14+ days late.
Primary obligation to pay rent on the due date. State consequences of late payment (though late payment fees are now banned under Tenant Fees Act). Two months' arrears is a mandatory ground for possession (Ground 8).
🔴 Critical
Use Property as Residential Only
Restriction to use property as private residence only, not for business purposes. Running a business may breach planning, insurance, and mortgage conditions. Home working is generally acceptable but full business use is not.
🟡 Important
Keep Property in Good Condition
Obligation to keep property clean, not damage, and return in same condition as received (allowing for fair wear and tear). Report any damage or repairs needed promptly. Use property in tenant-like manner.
🔴 Critical
Report Repairs Promptly
Obligation to report any disrepair, damage, or defects to landlord as soon as reasonably possible. Failure to report can make tenant liable for consequential damage. Essential for landlord to fulfil repair obligations.
🟡 Important
Allow Access for Inspections
Obligation to allow landlord reasonable access for inspections and repairs with proper notice (usually 24-48 hours). Cannot refuse genuine repair visits. Balance tenant's right to quiet enjoyment with landlord's need to maintain.
🟡 Important
Not Cause Nuisance
Obligation not to cause nuisance, annoyance, or disturbance to neighbours. Includes noise, anti-social behaviour, harassment. Breach can lead to possession proceedings. Essential for maintaining good neighbour relations.
🔴 Critical
Pay Utilities and Council Tax
Clarify tenant's responsibility for utilities (gas, electricity, water, telephone, broadband) and council tax. Specify meter reading process at start/end. State which utilities are included if any (rare in private lets).
🟡 Important
⚡
RRA 2025 Aligned
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9. Restrictions and Prohibitions (6 items)
No Subletting or Assignment
Prohibition on subletting the property or assigning the tenancy without written consent. Subletting without permission can be grounds for possession. Clarify that lodgers may also require consent.
🔴 Critical
No Alterations Without Consent
Restriction on making alterations, additions, or improvements without landlord's written consent. Includes decorating, fixtures, structural changes. Protects property value and insurance. May require restoration at end.
🟡 Important
Pet Policy?Tenant Fees Act: Cannot charge pet deposit in addition to standard deposit. Options: No pets, pets with consent (can't unreasonably refuse), specific pets allowed. If allowing pets, consider pet addendum with extra cleaning clause.
State pet policy clearly: no pets allowed, pets with written consent only, or specific pets permitted. Cannot charge additional pet deposit under Tenant Fees Act. If allowing pets, specify any conditions (e.g., professional cleaning at end).
🟡 Important
Smoking Policy
State smoking policy: no smoking inside property, designated areas only, or smoking permitted. No smoking is strongly recommended to prevent damage, odours, and fire risk. Can be grounds for possession if breached.
🟡 Important
No Illegal or Immoral Use
Prohibition on using property for illegal or immoral purposes. Includes drug dealing, prostitution, illegal business activities. Breach is serious and can be mandatory ground for possession (Ground 14).
🔴 Critical
Vehicle Restrictions (if applicable)
Any restrictions on vehicles: number of vehicles, type (no commercial vehicles, caravans), where to park. Particularly important for flats with limited parking or properties on private roads.
🔵 Recommended
10. Break Clause (if applicable) (4 items)
When Break Clause Can Be Exercised?Common: "Either party may end this tenancy after 6 months by giving 2 months' written notice." Cannot exercise before minimum period. Notice must be correct length and in writing. Both parties must comply with terms.
Legacy item: residential break clauses no longer apply to tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026 (Renters' Rights Act 2025). New tenancies are periodic with no fixed term, so a break clause has no practical effect — tenants simply give 2 months' written notice at any time. Preserved here for completeness when reviewing pre-2026 fixed-term agreements.
🟡 Important
Notice Period Required
Specify how much notice is required to exercise the break clause (e.g., 2 months). Notice must be in writing. The longer the notice, the more security for landlord. Balance flexibility with planning time.
🟡 Important
Conditions for Break Clause
Any conditions that must be met to exercise the break (e.g., rent paid up to date, no outstanding breaches). Unclear conditions can make break clause unenforceable. Keep conditions clear and reasonable.
🟡 Important
Who Can Exercise Break Clause
Clarify whether break clause is mutual (landlord AND tenant can use) or one-sided (tenant only or landlord only). Mutual breaks are fairer but landlord-only breaks give more control. Tenant-only breaks are tenant-friendly.
🟡 Important
11. Termination and Notice (5 items)
Possession routes after 1 May 2026?Section 21 "no fault" possession was abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on 1 May 2026. Possession is now only available under Section 8 grounds (rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, landlord moving in, selling, etc.). Pre-tenancy compliance (deposit protection, Information Sheet, Gas Safety, EPC, EICR) remains important to support a Section 8 claim.
From 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no fault" notices were abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords seeking possession must now use Section 8 with valid grounds under the expanded Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. Pre-tenancy compliance (deposit protection, Information Sheet, Gas Safety, EPC, EICR) helps support a Section 8 claim.
🔴 Critical
Section 8 Notice Explained
Explain landlord can serve Section 8 "fault" notice for breaches (e.g., rent arrears, anti-social behaviour). Different grounds have different notice periods (some as short as 2 weeks). Court order required.
🟡 Important
Tenant's Notice to Quit
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, the tenant can end the periodic assured tenancy at any time by giving 2 months' written notice. There is no fixed term to wait out and no break clause needed. Notice must be in writing.
🟡 Important
End of Tenancy Obligations
What tenant must do at end: return all keys, remove belongings, leave clean and in good condition, provide forwarding address. State consequences of abandoning property or leaving possessions. Reference inventory check-out.
🟡 Important
Abandoned Property Process
Process if tenant abandons property or leaves belongings behind. Landlord must follow Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 - cannot simply dispose of items. State storage period and disposal process.
🔵 Recommended
12. Data Protection and Legal (3 items)
Data Protection Statement
Statement about how landlord will process tenant's personal data under UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018. Explain what data is collected, why, who it's shared with (agents, reference agencies, deposit schemes), and tenant's rights.
🔴 Critical
Governing Law
State that the agreement is governed by English law. Different jurisdictions have different housing law — Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate regimes.
🟡 Important
Notices Clause
How notices should be served: in writing, to addresses in agreement, delivery methods (hand delivery, first class post, email if agreed). Important for serving possession notices correctly. Specifying methods protects both parties.
🟡 Important
13. Execution and Signatures (5 items)
Landlord Signature Block
Space for landlord (or all joint landlords) to sign and date. If company landlord, authorised signatory must sign. Agent can sign if authorised but landlord name must still appear. Unsigned agreement is not executed.
🔴 Critical
All Tenant Signatures
Space for ALL named tenants to sign and date. Each tenant must sign - signing by one joint tenant does not bind the others. Signatures confirm agreement to all terms. Dates should match or be close together.
🔴 Critical
Guarantor Signature (if applicable)
If a guarantor is required (common for students, first-time renters), separate guarantor signature section. Guarantor must understand they are liable for rent and breaches. Consider separate guarantor agreement for clarity.
🟡 Important
Copies for All Parties
Confirm that signed copies will be provided to all parties: landlord, each tenant, guarantor (if any), agent (if any). Best practice to provide immediately after signing. Each party should retain their copy throughout tenancy.
🟡 Important
Date of Agreement
The date the agreement is signed and becomes binding. May differ from tenancy start date if signed in advance. Important for time-sensitive obligations like deposit protection (30 days from receiving deposit, not from signing).
🔴 Critical
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⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete APT template — all clauses included, Renters' Rights Act 2025 aligned.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your APT Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Next Steps
Now that you've reviewed the compliance checklist, you have two options:
✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template
Create your APT with our professionally drafted template. Covers all 67 compliance points with Renters' Rights Act 2025 aligned wording, deposit protection clauses, Written Statement of Terms, and all required landlord/tenant obligations. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £10. Preview the full template with watermark before you buy. Get the template →
📝 Create Your Own APT
Use this checklist as your guide. Errors such as deposit not protected within 30 days, prescribed information not provided, or safety certificates missing can expose landlords to compensation claims and weaken any future Section 8 possession claim.
🔗
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
General information about Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreements in England under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
Do I need a solicitor to create an Assured Periodic Tenancy?
No, for standard residential lettings. Our template is based on UK housing law and includes all required clauses. For commercial properties, see our Commercial Lease templates. Consider review for complex circumstances.
What is Section 21?
Section 21 "no fault" possession was abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on 1 May 2026. Landlords seeking possession in England must now use Section 8 with valid grounds under the expanded Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. Pre-tenancy compliance remains important to support a Section 8 claim.
How much deposit can I take?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019: maximum 5 weeks' rent if annual rent is under £50,000, or 6 weeks if £50,000+. The deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
What safety certificates do I need?
You need: Gas Safety Certificate (annual), EICR - Electrical Installation Condition Report (every 5 years), EPC - Energy Performance Certificate (minimum E rating), and working smoke alarms on every floor plus CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
Is there still a fixed term?
No. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all assured tenancies in England are periodic from the start — there is no fixed term for new lets. Existing fixed-term ASTs converted to periodic assured tenancies on 1 May 2026. Tenants can end the tenancy at any time with 2 months' written notice; landlords can only seek possession under Section 8 with a valid ground under the expanded Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
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Disclaimer:
This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, housing law is complex and subject to change.
Last updated: 19 May 2026.
This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, housing law is complex and subject to change.
Last updated: 19 May 2026.