Originally published at: Free Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement (APT Rental Contract)
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) has served as the cornerstone of the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. That era concluded on 1st May 2026. With the Renters’ Rights Act now fully enacted across England, fixed-term ASTs have been abolished in favour of a unified system: the Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT). This means…
Im just having my first read of Openrents new APT.
Curious what it said for ‘tenant notice’.
On page 4 in the pre-amble before the Tenancy Terms start on Page 6, it says “Ending the Tenancy
The Tenant may end the tenancy by giving not less than two months’ written notice to the Landlord.”
No further reference is made in the tenancy terms about tenant notice, not even in Section 12 entitled “Interrupting or Ending this Agreement. The following clauses set out the ways in which this agreement may be brought to an end by either party.”
Curious why it doesn’t make any reference about tenancy ending on a rent payment date or day before which is mentioned in the Act.
Thoughts?
@Daz @mod_harry Is there anyone from Openrent’s team that can give an input on why the tenants notice requirements are not covered in the actual tenancy terms on the APT?
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Surprisingly quiet on this thread ?
is that better?
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@Karl11 I agree it’s odd.
Also my understanding was that 2 months (plus ending on a rent payment day so potentially up to just under 3) is the maximum that a LL can require whereas this wording implies a LL can require more eg 3 4, 5 6 or 12 months notice which would effectively bring in fixed tenancies. This isn’t the intent of the Act ?
@David122 can tell us if notice of 3 6 or 12 months would be allowed in the contract but I think not.
It also ought to be possible to specify less eg 1 month, if that was what the LL and tenant agree.
Problem with 2months is tenants won’t give notice till they find a new place so either LLs have longer void periods or tenants pay for 2 places at once for longer - neither a good outcome as slows down and makes tenant moves harder. 1 month as default would be a lot better (or perhaps 2 months notice in first 12 months, then 1 month?) as closer to what happens previously with rolling.
@mod_harry @mod_emma @Dan4 will there be an option to specify 1 months notice instead? And why has the default been written as 2 not 1? Did you consult your LLs on what they actually want?
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as an aside in relation to another thread today, here’s what it says about tenants leaving goods in the property:
9.43. When the tenancy lawfully ends, to remove all of their furniture and other goods from the Premises. The Tenant will be liable for damages to compensate the Landlord if the Tenant leaves items at the Premises which prevent the Landlord from making use of or re-letting the Premises, or if the Landlord incurs costs in relation to such items (for example, reasonable charges for removal or storage).
I’m surprised that there’s no mention of a time period nor that disposal will occur. Without a T agreeing to this up front, the LL remains open to a legal claim for disposing of goods at any point.
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@tatemono do you have a suggested better or extra clause people can use instead?
The govt’s own model AST had this:
8.2 The Tenant must remove all possessions (including any furniture) belonging to the Tenant or any Member of the Tenant’s Household or visitor and all rubbish from the Property at the end of the Tenancy. If any such possessions are left at the Property after the Tenancy has ended, the Tenant will be responsible for meeting all reasonable removal and storage charges. The Landlords will remove and store the possessions for one month (other than any perishable items which will be disposed of immediately) and will take reasonable steps to notify the Tenant. If the items are not collected within one month, the Landlords may dispose of the items and the Tenant will be liable for the reasonable costs of disposal. The costs of removal, storage and disposal may be deducted from any sale proceeds.
Unfortunately, it seems the govt hasn’t produced a model APT… yet.
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Has someone bought you a set of drums to keep you quiet ?
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The drums are downstairs… I’ve got all the other instruments up here in my studio. You’re actually interrupting a recording session so be off with you… 
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The Travelling Wilburys need some replacement members
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Are you a Gibson , Fender or Gretsch( or maybe Rickenbacker?)
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Taylor actually… I’ve only got a Gibson ripoff Cort for any electric stuff. I can simulate pretty much guitar you want anyway so not much point in spending thousands.
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Observing this thread as I’m very interested in learning more
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What kind of guitar would you like to learn.
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With no strings attached?
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Of course. Don’t need to fret about that.
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Contemplating issuing an APT immediately to all tenants, although it is not expressly implied that this is necessary, given that the ASTs in place were ‘abolished’ yesterday it would suggest that unlike an AST going periodic, the terms of those ASTs are effectively null and void.
Any other views?
@Dan4 It would be nice to have an opinion from Openrent on this, and re-assurance that the lack of any ‘tenant notice requirements’ in the body of the tenancy terms is ok, and your views as to why?
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@Duncan3 well it’s only those terms of the AST that are counter to the RRA (eg any clauses referring to fixed terms or break clauses or automatic rent increases or getting rent paid ahead of the rental period) that are null and void. All the rest remain valid. The govt specifically drafted the legislation to avoid LLs and tenants the hassle and cost of ending old tenancies and starting new ones.
Unless you think you might inadvertently try to apply any old clauses that are null and void and counter to RRA (which would be an offence and have a large fine attached) you can leave well alone
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