that’s curious… and will both signatories therefore have to sign to say they agree to the new updated contracts? And what of guarantors who have to sign a witnessed deed and legally have to see the new contract before they do so?
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You say just move on, and then go on to ask if there’s a renters rights act compliant template available yet. No because the rules only came out on the 19th of January. Please google this & find out the facts if you don’t believe me.
The government has not yet released the information that landlords will need to pass onto their existing tenants. The expected timeframe for that information to be released by the government is March. It is not available yet so openrent will not be able to advise what you need to do.
Are you willing to name the source so we can see a copy?
Sorry David, I’m unable to do this. It is licensed exclusively for use by members of a particular group
He’s asking you to simply name the source, not disclose the content.
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I’m fully aware of that. I think you’ve missed the point of my comment to mod_harry. He said
Because you can’t change the terms of a contract once it’s been signed (let alone witnessed as a deed) this is a legal impossibility. I’m therefore curious as to what he thinks will happen to OR contracts.
No tatemono, I don’t think so - he says “so we can see a copy”.
All contracts (already in force) including those supplied by Openrent will automatically be updated to reflect the new rules & regulations. Those non compliant terms will change automatically ‘in law’ regardless of what has already been signed, and some terms will become unenforceable. I’m not sure @mod_harry is saying anything special here, nor intending to suggets that any ‘special’ process will be developed by them to make this happen. I think its just the choice of words used that might have been misunderstood.
That update will be automatic, and possibly without anyones signature. Landlords will have to supply some information to tenants, but we dont know what yet, and we dont know how we might be expected to ‘prove’ service. I also dont think Openrent will need to design any new system to do this, as we already have a system for sharing tenancy documentations with tenants.
No Janette1 I don’t think so - he says
Simple yes no question. Why the secrecy?
There’s no obligation to create a new tenancy for the three existing tenants that you originally referred to and the RRA does not reset the clock for Grounds 1/1A for existing tenancies.
I have that on good authority from two industry sources. Obviously, I can’t disclose those. Thanks for understanding.
Think @Janette1 understands that already. What she has said is she doesn’t understand why anyone would issue new tenancies which would have the disadvantage/problem of resetting the 12m clock, when they don’t need to.
So you and @Janette1 are in agreement…
Best
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No, tatemono. I would have to get authority from the owner of the intellectual property in the document and all those members of the Group licensed to use it. Also, with respect we are straying here from my original question as to whether OpenRent has issued advice and my subsequent question whether there is an OpenRent RRA compliant template.
No, Janette1. You have been asked to name the source. That doesn’t involve any permissions from anyone.
With respect, you took your own thread off course after getting answers to your original questions. That’s your prerogative of course being your thread, but you changed the subject with a rather curious claim to have seen a document produced by “an acknowledged specialist lawyer” for some mysterious “Group” that shall not be named.
We’re all here to help each other navigate the complexities of the PRS so why not share the source of something that might be helpful to everyone. If the group has a membership that is not open, then fair enough, but there’s no harm in naming the group.
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I think it is implicit in your post that you do not believe me. I find that unaccptable and, with one exception, I have not found the posts on the Forum helpful. I said at the outset that I hadn’t been on here for some time and I shall not be returning. I shall wait and see what OpenRent says in advance of my 3 fixed terms expiring.in March. I am well aware that I have the option of allowing the tenants to hold over as monthly tenants and provide the Government’s information document when available. Alternatively, I have available to me a RRA compliant tenancy agreement prepared by a highly experienced lawyer in whom I have confidence.
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yup… that’s all you need to do.
You didn’t believe me & that was made quite clear….
Maybe if you’d been more receptive to advice & assistance offered, then you’d get a friendlier response.
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Being ultra pedantic, until the provisions that come into force on 1 may do so and new draft contracts/templates using these that have been updated in preparation for those are tested in the courts, surely nobody will know with 100% certainty that they have an RRA compliant tenancy template?
So whether based on the legislative text or also further guidance that is due, nobody can say with absolute certainty before 1 may (and quite possibly for a good while after) that they will have an RRA compliant template, they will at best have a template a lawyer has advised is likely to be compliant…
That said some current clauses in existing templates (the gov one has cpi increases as an example) will obviously need removing, as will anything about rent in advance (aside from in the pre tenancy period) and likely some clauses re pets not allowed (LL can still refuse if higher lease say so) and anything referring to fixed initial periods or anything requiring more than 2 months notice from the tenant, or the current “break” clauses which make no sense without fixed periods …so hopefully quite decent drafts can be produced now (and made even better after the forthcoming guidance @Karl11 has mentioned)
Have a lovely (auto correct first put ‘lively’ 
) evening both
Best
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Hello, I wrote to all my tenants 3 weeks ago feel free to use my template below for fixed periods that ends before RRA starts…
Date: {Add Date}
Property Address: {Add Address}
Dear {Add Tenants}
Re: Upcoming Changes to Your Tenancy – Renters’ Rights Act
Happy new year to you. I wanted to get in touch to keep you updated about the new Renters’ Rights Act, which became law in October 2025. Some of the changes will start coming into effect from 1 May 2026, and I thought it would be helpful to give you a clear, simple overview of what to expect.
There’s nothing you need to do right now, and your day-to-day living arrangements won’t change. The points below are just to keep you informed about the national changes that will apply to all tenants from May 2026:
Move to Periodic Tenancies: From 1 May 2026, all fixed-term tenancies across the country will automatically become periodic (rolling) tenancies. This simply means your tenancy will continue month-to-month rather than ending on a set date.
End of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions: Section 21 notices are being removed. Landlords will still be able to end a tenancy, but only for specific legal reasons, such as selling the property or moving back in.
Notice Periods: If you choose to move out after May 2026, you will usually need to give two months’ notice. If I need to regain possession for a permitted reason, I will generally need to give four months’ notice, providing you with greater security.
Rent Increases: Rent can only be increased once per year, with at least two months’ notice. You will also have the right to challenge any increase you believe is above the market rate.
Right to Request a Pet: You will have a new legal right to request permission to keep a pet, and these requests cannot be unreasonably refused.
Awaab’s Law & Decent Homes Standard: Later stages of the Act will introduce clearer timeframes for dealing with issues like damp and mould, helping ensure all rental homes meet a consistent standard.
What happens next?
You don’t need to sign anything new — these changes will apply automatically from 1 May 2026. The Government will also be releasing an official Information Sheet in March 2026, and I’ll make sure you receive a copy as soon as it’s available.
What this means for your tenancy
Your current fixed-term tenancy ends on {Enter Date}. As all tenancies will become periodic shortly afterwards, we won’t be issuing a new fixed-term agreement.
If you’d like to stay in the property (and you’re very welcome to), just let me know. Your tenancy will then continue on a periodic basis from {Enter Date}, with all your existing terms remaining the same, aside from the national changes coming in from May.
I want to reassure you that this is simply an administrative update due to the new legislation — it isn’t a reflection of any issue with your tenancy.
Insurance and referencing requirements {Optional Section}
If you choose to remain in the property beyond {Enter Date}, our landlord insurance provider may require us to complete updated referencing for all tenants. This is a routine requirement from the insurer and not related to any concerns.
This will involve:
Checks for CCJs, bankruptcies, or IVAs
Two forms of ID each, including one photo ID (passport or driving licence preferred) plus a recent utility bill
Affordability verification, using payslips or bank statements from the last three months
I’ll be in touch nearer the time to collect the necessary information if required. Once the referencing is completed, your tenancy will continue as normal.
Kind regards,
{Landlord / Agent}
Thanks for sharing.
I thought the 2 months notice is a max what will be needed will depend on the individual tenancy agreement?
If payment is being taken ahead of the rental period that will also have to change post 1 may
Others like @David122 may be able to confirm I’ve got those details right
Best