From 1 May 2026, new and existing private tenancies became Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs).

This means:

• fixed‑term tenancies ended
• Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) were replaced
• tenancies continued unless they were ended lawfully under the new rules

The change applies even if a written tenancy agreement says something different.

What landlords must not do

Landlords must not:

• discriminate because a tenant has children or receives benefits
• refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet without a good reason
• ask tenants to leave without using a Section 8 notice
• increase rent more than once in 12 months
• ask for more than one month’s rent in advance
• make unfair or excessive rent increases
• offer a fixed‑term tenancy
• use rental bidding

If a landlord increases rent unfairly, they can be challenged at the First‑tier Tribunal.

Information landlords must give tenants

At the start of a tenancy, landlords must give tenants important safety and legal documents. These include:

• a valid gas safety certificate, if the property has gas
• a valid electrical safety certificate
• a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated A to E
• a written tenancy agreement
• the “How to rent” guide

If these documents were not provided, tenants can tell us by emailing housingadvice@maidstone.gov.uk.

Tenants should keep all documents they are given. They may be needed later for advice or support.

For more advice, you can read the Government’s Renters' Rights blog.