Applies to England Last reviewed 25 October 2026

Writing a tenancy agreement: tips for landlords

Since 1 May 2026, every new tenancy in England needs a written statement of key terms, given to the tenant before the tenancy starts. Here's what it must cover, the mistakes to avoid, and when to get professional help.

When: before the tenancy is entered into
Form: no official template, but a simple, clear format
Penalty: up to £7,000 for not providing it
Tenancy type: rolling (periodic), with no fixed term

What the written statement must include

The key terms

The start date
The rent, when it's due, and that rent periods are no longer than a month
Whether bills are included, and if the tenant pays you for them, how you'll tell them the amounts and dates
That rent increases follow the Section 13 process
The deposit amount

Ending the tenancy

How much notice the tenant must give
That you can only end the tenancy through a court order, with the right notice and a valid ground

Safety and repairs

That the property must be fit to live in
Your repair duties for the structure, exterior and key installations
Electrical testing at least every 5 years, with the EICR given to the tenant
Annual gas safety checks, with the record given to the tenant

Tenant rights

Pet requests, which you can't unreasonably refuse
Disability-related changes, which you can't unreasonably refuse

Common mistakes to avoid

Reusing an old AST template with a fixed term
Leaving in Section 21 or rent review clauses
Blanket "no pets", "no children" or "no benefits" clauses
Asking for more than one month's rent in advance
Giving the statement after the tenancy has started
Not keeping proof of what you gave and when

Tips for a good agreement

Use plain English. Tenants should understand it without a solicitor.
Keep it consistent. The statement and the agreement must say the same things.
Attach the certificates. Send the gas safety record, EICR and EPC with it.
Record delivery. Note how and when you gave it, by email attachment or by hand.
Review it. Check your template whenever the rules change.

When to get professional help

A tenancy agreement is a legal document. For peace of mind, use a template from a recognised landlord body such as the NRLA, or have yours checked by a housing solicitor, especially for HMOs, lodgers or anything unusual.

How Landlord Friendly will help

Written terms checklist: shows what you've covered and what's missing.
Certificates attached: warns you if the gas or electrical record is out of date.
Delivery record: a dated log of what each tenant received.

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to give a written statement of terms?

Yes. For new tenancies in England from 1 May 2026, landlords must give tenants a written statement of key terms before the tenancy is entered into.

Is there an official government template?

There is no prescribed form for the written statement. It must contain the required information in a simple, accessible format.

What is the penalty for not providing it?

Councils can impose a civil penalty of up to £7,000.

What about tenancies that started before 1 May 2026?

Tenants with a written agreement signed before 1 May 2026 had to be given the official government Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, as the exact GOV.UK PDF, not a link.

Can I still use my old AST template?

Not as it stands. Fixed terms, Section 21 clauses and rent review clauses no longer work. Update your agreement or have it checked.

Official sources

Last reviewed 25 October 2026. This guide is general information for landlords in England, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules change, so check the official sources before acting.