Q. I am a student landlord. I generally give my student tenants a year’s fixed-term tenancy agreement. Will I still be able to do this after the Renters Rights Bill comes into force on 1 May?

A. No. On that day, all assured fixed-term tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies will be converted to assured periodic tenancies. Existing fixed terms will be ended at that time; they will not be allowed to complete their term.

After 1 May, any attempt to create a fixed-term tenancy by giving an end date for the tenancy in your tenancy agreement will be of no effect. It will also make you liable for a Civil Penalty Notice fine of up to £7,000.

The government guidance to Local Authority Enforcement Officers is that a fine of £4,000 should be the starting point.

Q. Will I need to give my tenants a new tenancy agreement when the Renters Rights Act comes into force on 1 May?