Rental Extension Agreement Template for England and Wales

A Rental Extension Agreement provides the legal framework for extending your existing tenancy beyond its original end date. Under England and Wales law, this document works as a formal addendum to your original tenancy agreement, keeping the arrangement compliant with the Housing Act 1988 and maintaining legal continuity for both landlord and tenant.

What is an extension of a tenancy agreement?

An extension of a tenancy agreement is a short document that renews an existing tenancy for a further fixed period once the original term ends. Rather than signing a brand new tenancy from scratch, both parties confirm they want to continue and record any changes, such as a rent increase or an updated end date. It keeps the original tenancy's terms in force except where you specifically vary them, which is why it is quicker to agree than a fresh contract.

When do you need this document?

You need a Rental Extension Agreement when your current tenancy is approaching its end date but both you and your landlord wish to continue the rental arrangement. Since 1 May 2026 assured tenancies in England are periodic with no end date, so there is no fixed term to extend: the tenancy simply continues until notice is given. The agreement is useful when you want to renew for a defined period and avoid the uncertainty of the tenancy automatically becoming a periodic (month to month) tenancy. It is also the right choice when a rent adjustment or minor changes to the terms need to be incorporated while keeping the existing tenancy structure intact.

Extending versus renewing a tenancy

People use the words extend and renew interchangeably, and in practice they describe the same outcome: continuing the tenancy for a new fixed term. If neither party takes action when a fixed term ends, the tenancy usually continues automatically as a statutory periodic tenancy, running month to month on the same terms. A written extension is preferable when you want a fixed end date, a documented rent change, or updated terms, so everyone knows exactly where they stand.

How do you extend a tenancy agreement?

1. Confirm both landlord and tenant want to continue and agree the new fixed period and end date.
2. Agree whether the rent stays the same or changes, and check any rent review clause in the original tenancy.
3. Record any other changes to the terms, keeping everything else from the original agreement in force.
4. Confirm the deposit remains protected and that any guarantor still consents to cover the extended term.
5. Have all parties sign and give the tenant a copy for their records.

Key legal considerations

Several elements should be addressed in your extension agreement. The document must clearly reference the original tenancy agreement and specify the exact extension period with precise start and end dates. Rent terms need careful thought, particularly if a rent increase is being applied, as any increase must follow the rent review clause in the original agreement and reflect what is reasonable against the local market. State explicitly that all existing terms and conditions remain in force unless specifically modified. If there is a guarantor, confirm their continued liability for the extended term. Deposit arrangements need checking so they stay compliant with the Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes under the Housing Act 2004. Any new terms should be clearly distinguished from existing provisions to avoid confusion or disputes.

Can the landlord increase the rent on extension?

Yes, a rent increase can be agreed as part of an extension, provided both parties consent and it is recorded in the agreement. Many landlords use the point of renewal to bring the rent closer to the current market rate. Because the increase is agreed in writing rather than imposed, it avoids the formal statutory routes a landlord would otherwise use during a periodic tenancy. Set out the new figure, when it takes effect and how often it may be reviewed during the extended term.

A renter's rights on extension

Extending does not reset the protections a tenant already holds. The tenant keeps the same statutory rights they had under the original tenancy, including protection from unlawful eviction, deposit protection in an authorised scheme, and the landlord's repairing obligations for the property. Renewing for a fresh fixed term also gives the tenant security of tenure for that period, so the landlord cannot simply ask them to leave before the new end date. It is worth checking that contents or landlord insurance still covers the extended period, and confirming who is responsible for which policy.

Who prepares and manages the agreement?

Either the landlord, the tenant, or the letting agent handling day to day management of the property can prepare the extension. Where an agent handles the tenancy, they will often coordinate the renewal, but the terms still need the landlord's and tenant's agreement. If you have questions about the process, GenieAI can draft the agreement and flag anything that needs attention before signing, so you have support at each step without needing to arrange a separate legal review.

Extensions in 2026 and beyond

Tenancy rules continue to evolve, so before you offer or accept an extension in 2026 check that the current end date, rent figure and deposit details are all correct, and that the deposit is still held in an authorised scheme. Where either party is unsure whether to renew, the first step is a short written proposal setting out the new term and any rent change, so both sides can respond to something concrete. Keeping the extension in writing gives both landlord and tenant a clear record for the year ahead and reduces the risk of a dispute later.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Your extension agreement must comply with the Housing Act 1988, which governs most residential tenancies in England and Wales. An assured periodic tenancy continues with its statutory protections without needing an extension. The terms must meet the Consumer Rights Act 2015 standard for fairness and transparency. Any fees connected to the extension must fall within what the Tenant Fees Act 2019 permits. Deposit protection obligations continue under the extended tenancy, so the deposit must remain in an authorised scheme, and the tenant should be given the prescribed information where required under the Deregulation Act 2015. Execute the agreement properly with all parties' signatures and give the tenant a copy within a reasonable time.