Q. I am a student landlord. I currently have several properties let on assured shorthold tenancies with a fixed term which will end in September next year. What will happen to these if the Renters Rights Act 2025 comes into force before then? Will my tenants be able to end the tenancy early?

A. I am afraid so. On the commencement of the Act (and at the time of writing, the commencement date has not yet been announced by the Government), all assured shorthold tenancies will be converted to assured periodic tenancies.

All fixed terms will end immediately. They will not, as some have optimistically suggested, be allowed to run their course.

The Protection from Eviction Act is being amended to change the notice period that assured tenants will have to give from not less than 28 days to not less than two months.

So, this means that with effect from the commencement date of the legislation, and from Day 1 of all new subsequent tenancies, tenants will be able to end their tenancy on giving two months’ notice.

Q. Will we still be able to take guarantees after the commencement of the Renters’ Rights Act?