Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of periodic tenancies on (1) the supply of properties in the private rented sector, and (2) the increased associated costs implied by shorter and more frequent tenancies.

The Government announced in our White Paper ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ that all tenancies will be periodic, meaning tenants can stay in their homes until they choose to leave or the landlord has a valid reason for possession.

We do not expect these changes to give rise to shorter and more frequent tenancies. Given the expense and inconvenience of moving house, tenants are unlikely to move unless they really need to and particularly not after starting a new tenancy.

We will continue to work closely with those in the sector on the impacts of these changes on the rental sector, as we prepare for legislation.