Free Tenancy Agreement Template UK 2026: Which One Landlords Need After the Renters' Rights Act

If you searched for a free tenancy agreement template UK, you have probably noticed the goalposts moved. In fact, the Renters' Rights Act reshaped how tenancies work, so the fixed-term wording many landlords copied online no longer fits new lets. However, the good news is simple. You can still put a clear, compliant agreement in place in minutes, once you know which template you actually need.

Below, we walk through the main options, answer the questions landlords keep asking, and show where a free tool saves you time. Meanwhile, we keep everything UK-focused so you can act with confidence rather than second-guessing which rules apply.

Quick watch: why tenancy agreements changed

Which tenancy agreement template do you need in 2026?

First, start with timing. Most new tenancies now begin as periodic agreements from day one, so the contract rolls month to month rather than locking in a fixed term. Therefore, the template you pick depends on when the tenancy started and whether it falls under the reformed rules.

By contrast, some older tenancies still sit under the previous framework. As a result, landlords often need to recognise two families of agreement before they download anything.

Periodic (rolling) tenancy agreements

For most new lets, a periodic agreement is now the standard. In short, it removes the fixed end date and relies on statutory notice rules instead. To understand how these work in practice, our guide to UK rolling tenancy agreements explains notice periods, rent reviews, and what changed for both sides.

Assured shorthold tenancy agreement template

Meanwhile, an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) template still matters for tenancies that began before the reforms or that are exempt. However, the practical gap between the old labels has narrowed sharply. For a clear comparison, read our explainer on AST vs assured tenancy before you reuse an old contract.

Tenancy templates

Need an assured shorthold tenancy agreement template?

If you manage a legacy tenancy that still sits under the old rules, you can generate an AST template with the right clauses already built in. In addition, the tool flags where reformed lets need a periodic structure instead, so you do not reuse wording that no longer applies.

Explore the tenancy agreement template

What every tenancy agreement must include

Whichever template you choose, certain clauses are non-negotiable. Specifically, a solid agreement protects both landlord and tenant by setting expectations in writing before anyone moves in.

• Names of all tenants and the landlord or agent
• Property address and what is included in the let
• Rent amount, due date, and payment method
• Deposit amount and the protection scheme used
• Repair and maintenance responsibilities
• Notice periods and grounds for possession

Also, remember that a written statement of terms is expected for every tenancy. As a result, even an informal let should be documented properly rather than agreed on a handshake.

How to create a tenancy agreement for free

Next, the practical bit. Instead of paying a solicitor for a standard let, you can generate a compliant agreement online and edit it to suit your property. In practice, this takes minutes and gives you a clean PDF to sign.

Moreover, a digital template keeps a consistent structure across your whole portfolio. Consequently, when you add a new unit, every tenancy follows the same reliable format.

Free tenancy tool

Generate a tenancy agreement in minutes

You can customise your own contract or start from a ready-made template, then download it to sign. For most new lets, the periodic structure is built in, so you spend your time on the details that matter rather than the boilerplate.

Create your free tenancy agreement

Short: create a tenancy agreement for free

Keeping your tenancy compliant after signing

Signing the agreement is only the start. After that, you also need to hand tenants the right information and keep your certificates current. Otherwise, a tidy contract can still leave you exposed to penalties.

For example, tenants must receive the official information sheet explaining their rights. To get this step right, see our guide on what the Renters' Rights Act information sheet means and how to prove you delivered it.

In addition, store every signed agreement and certificate in one place. That way, if a council or tribunal ever asks for records, you export them in seconds rather than digging through old email threads.

Watch: digital signing for tenancy agreements

Common mistakes landlords make with templates

Even with a good template, small slips cause big problems. Therefore, watch out for the errors that trip up landlords most often.

• Reusing old fixed-term wording on a new, reformed let
• Leaving one joint tenant off the agreement
• Forgetting to protect the deposit within the deadline
• Skipping the required information sheet at the start
• Storing the only copy in a personal inbox

Fortunately, each of these is easy to avoid with a structured process. As a result, one careful setup protects every future tenancy you sign.

Digital vs paper tenancy agreements

Paper contracts fade, and posted copies get lost. By contrast, a digital agreement creates a clear, timestamped trail that tribunals and councils prefer. Similarly, digital signing means you do not chase tenants for wet signatures across town.

Ultimately, going digital is less about convenience and more about proof. When a dispute arises years later, a searchable record settles it quickly.

Do you need a solicitor for a tenancy agreement?

For a standard let, usually not. In practice, a well-drafted template covers the vast majority of tenancies without extra legal fees. However, some situations do warrant advice, so it pays to know the difference.

Specifically, complex lets, unusual break clauses, or commercial elements are worth a professional review. Otherwise, a reliable template keeps costs down while still protecting you. As a result, most landlords reserve their solicitor budget for the tricky cases rather than routine renewals.

Five steps to a compliant tenancy this week

1. Confirm the tenancy type based on the start date and the current rules.
2. Generate the right template and edit it for your property.
3. List every named tenant so no one is missing from the contract.
4. Serve the information sheet and keep proof of delivery.
5. Store everything centrally with certificates linked to the property.

Finally, treat your first setup as the blueprint. Once it is right, every new let simply follows the same reliable pattern.