Do tenancy agreements need renewing in 2026?

No. Fixed terms were abolished on 1 May 2026, so tenancies in England never expire and there is nothing to renew. The tenancy continues as a monthly periodic tenancy until properly ended.

Can a landlord charge a tenancy renewal fee?

No. Renewal fees to tenants were banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019, and with fixed terms abolished there are no renewals in any case.

Should I still reissue an old tenancy agreement?

Often yes. Pre-2026 ASTs describe a legal regime that no longer exists. Reissuing a compliant assured periodic tenancy agreement puts the actual terms of the actual tenancy in writing.

Reviewed for the Renters' Rights Act · Updated 20 July 2026

Tenancy renewal in 2026: there's no such thing any more

For decades the rhythm of renting was the renewal: fixed term ends, agent calls, new agreement (and often a fee), repeat. That cycle is over. Since 1 May 2026 tenancies in England have no fixed term and no end date – there is nothing to renew. Here is what replaces the renewal conversation, for landlords and tenants.

Why renewals no longer exist

The Renters' Rights Act abolished fixed-term tenancies. Every tenancy is a monthly periodic tenancy that simply continues until the tenant gives notice, the landlord obtains possession on a Section 8 ground, or both sides agree to end it. No expiry, no renewal paperwork, no "shall we sign for another year?"

What about renewal fees?

Charging tenants renewal fees was banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019, and with no renewals the question is now moot. Agents' renewal commissions charged to landlords died with the fixed term too – if your agency agreement still provides for renewal fees, it is worth re-reading what you are actually paying for.

When you SHOULD reissue an agreement (even though you don't have to)

Nothing forces a new document, but these moments make one sensible:

Your tenants are still on a pre-2026 AST. The document describes a tenancy type, fixed term and Section 21 regime that no longer exist. It still binds where consistent with the Act, but it misstates the law your tenancy actually runs on.
The occupants changed – a joint tenant left or a partner moved in; see our joint tenancy guide.
The terms changed in practice – a pet was agreed, bills arrangements moved, the deposit was topped up.
You can't find the signed original – more common than anyone admits, and a real problem in a possession case built on breach of terms.

The reframe: renewal used to be an income moment for agents. Reissue is a compliance moment for landlords – ten minutes and a current, accurate agreement, against the alternative of running an indefinite tenancy on paperwork written for a different legal regime.

Create your compliant agreement in 10 minutes

Answer a short questionnaire. Get a Renters' Rights Act-compliant periodic tenancy agreement, written tenancy information, and a landlord compliance checklist, customised to your tenancy.

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Frequently asked questions

My fixed term ends next month – what happens?

Nothing. Fixed terms ceased to have effect from 1 May 2026; the tenancy is already periodic and simply continues on the same terms. No new signature is required.

Can my landlord make me sign a new agreement?

No – a tenant cannot be required to sign new terms mid-tenancy. A reissued agreement takes effect when both sides agree to it.