Tenancy agreements for room renters

The tenancy agreement is the contract that sets out the legal terms of your stay. This guide summarises what gov.uk says about agreements and tenancy types in England.

Written or spoken?

For an assured periodic tenancy, the agreement can be written or oral, but the landlord must provide the required written information about key terms. For a new tenancy agreed on or after 1 May 2026, it must be given before the agreement is signed or otherwise made. Other arrangements have different rules; check which type you have.

Joint or separate: who is responsible for the rent?

If more than one tenant signs the same agreement, it is a joint tenancy, and all the tenants are responsible for the whole rent. Agreeing to pay a particular share does not prevent the landlord asking you to cover unpaid rent from another joint tenant. Shelter explains joint and several liability. If you rent a room on your own agreement, check what yours says, and ask the landlord to explain it before you sign. See also do I need a guarantor?

For a joint assured tenancy, one tenant can usually give notice that ends the tenancy for everyone. Shorter notice needs the other joint tenants’ agreement; withdrawing notice also needs their agreement and the landlord’s. A swap needs all tenants and the landlord to agree. Check GOV.UK’s joint-tenancy guidance before giving notice or assuming a replacement releases you.

Fixed term or periodic?

An assured periodic tenancy has no fixed end date; a proposed end date does not apply, and a tenant can complain to the council. This does not mean every room let must be periodic: resident-landlord arrangements can have a fixed term. Check the tenancy type first. How this affects notice is covered in the Renters' Rights Act for room renters and notice to leave a room.

Tenancy types gov.uk describes

Assured periodic tenancy: usually where the property is your main home, the landlord does not live there and you have your own room, subject to exclusions. GOV.UK lists exceptions including holiday and business lets, certain student accommodation and annual-rent thresholds. Check the full criteria.
Resident-landlord arrangements: sharing a kitchen, bathroom or living room with the landlord or their family may mean excluded occupation. Living in the same home without sharing living space may instead give basic protection, including a court-order requirement for eviction. Check the actual arrangement; it can be a tenancy or a licence. See lodger or tenant.
Regulated tenancy: some tenancies that began before 15 January 1989 may qualify, with more protection from eviction.

The type decides which rules apply to you, so check which one you have.

This is general information for England, not legal advice. See also how renting with us works.

Join the interest list

GOV.UK agreement, written-information, tenancy-type and resident-landlord guidance, plus Shelter’s joint-tenancy guidance (checked 18 October 2026): assured periodic tenancy agreements; written information for assured tenants; tenancy types; resident-landlord protection and fixed terms.

Common questions

Does a tenancy agreement have to be written?

An assured periodic tenancy agreement can be written or spoken, but the landlord must provide the required written information about key terms. For a new tenancy agreed on or after 1 May 2026, this is due before the agreement is signed or otherwise made. Other tenancy types have different rules.

What is a joint tenancy?

Joint tenants share one agreement and responsibility for the whole rent. Paying an agreed share does not remove responsibility if another joint tenant does not pay.

Can a tenancy have a fixed end date?

An assured periodic tenancy cannot have a fixed end date. Other arrangements, including some resident-landlord lets, can have fixed terms; establish the tenancy type first.

Do all room renters have the same tenancy type?

No. Assured periodic tenancies have qualifying criteria and exclusions. Resident-landlord arrangements can involve excluded occupation or basic protection, and some older tenancies may be regulated.