Introduction

With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, one of the biggest areas of confusion for landlords is this:

“What happens to my existing tenancies?”

If you’ve already got tenants in place, you’re not starting from scratch — but you can’t assume nothing changes either.

Do Existing AST Agreements Still Stand?

Yes — but not in the way most landlords think.

Existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) don’t suddenly become invalid. However, they will transition into the new tenancy system over time.

In practice:

• Fixed terms will no longer operate in the same way
• Tenancies will move toward periodic structures
• Certain clauses may become unenforceable

If your agreement hasn’t been reviewed, you’re likely exposed.

Will You Need to Issue New Agreements?

Not immediately in every case — but relying on old contracts long-term is a mistake.

You should be asking:

• Does my agreement reflect the new legal framework?
• Are my possession clauses still valid?
• Is my documentation up to current standards?

The longer you delay reviewing this, the higher the risk.

What Happens When a Tenancy Renews?

Renewals are where things shift properly.

Under the new system:

• Renewals won’t follow the traditional fixed-term model
• Tenancies will default into rolling arrangements
• Landlords lose the “reset point” they previously relied on

This means you need to be confident in:

• Your tenant selection
• Your rent level
• Your long-term strategy

What About Evictions Under Existing Tenancies?

This is where a lot of landlords will get caught out.

Even if a tenancy started under the old system:

• You won’t be able to rely on Section 21 going forward
• You’ll need valid legal grounds for possession
• Courts will expect proper compliance and evidence

Old tenancy ≠ old rules.

Documentation Is Now Critical

If you take one thing from this article, it’s this:

Your paperwork matters more than ever.

You need:

• Clear tenancy agreements aligned with current law
• Full compliance records
• Proper communication history

Without that, your position weakens quickly in any dispute.

What Should Landlords Do Now?

Don’t sit back and wait — landlords who don’t adapt will get caught out.

Immediate steps:

• Review your tenancy agreements
• Ensure compliance documentation is up to date
• Reassess your tenant selection process
• Understand your legal grounds for possession

How Easymove Supports You

At Easymove, we’re already managing portfolios under these evolving rules across East London.

We help landlords:

• Update tenancy structures correctly
• Stay compliant with new legislation
• Manage tenants proactively
• Reduce risk across their portfolio

Final Thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Act doesn’t just affect new tenancies — it reshapes existing ones too.

Assuming your current agreements will “just carry on” is where mistakes happen.

Landlords who review and adapt early will stay protected.

Those who don’t will run into problems when it matters most.

⚠️ Reality Check

If you don’t actively review your existing tenancies:

• You won’t notice issues until you need possession
• You’ll rely on clauses that no longer hold weight
• You’ll lose time and money fixing avoidable problems

Sort it now — not when it becomes urgent.