Under the new law ‘occupation contracts’ will replace existing tenancies and licences. There are two main types of occupation contract: standard and secure. Standard contracts will replace assured shorthold tenancies which are currently used mainly in the private rented sector, and secure contracts will replace the secure tenancies used mainly in the social rented sector. On 1 December 2022, all existing tenancy agreements will automatically convert to an occupation contract. For example, if an existing tenancy is a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy, it will convert to a fixed term standard occupation contract. If it is a periodic assured shorthold tenancy, it will convert to a periodic standard contract. Whilst an occupation contract can be initiated verbally, it needs to be followed up with a written statement of the contract. Written statements need to be given within 14 days of the occupation date for new contracts from 1 December 2022. Written statements for converted contracts need to be issued by 1 June 2023.
For a full detailed list of FAQs for Landlords, please visit the dedicated Renting Homes Act FAQs at the following link.
For tenant specific FAQs, please visit the following link.