Which document does a tenancy need?
Information Sheet
For existing tenancies (created before 1 May 2026) that already have a written agreement or any written record of terms. Give your tenants the government-produced Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, served as the published document.
Download the Information Sheet (gov.uk)
Written statement of terms
For new tenancies from 1 May 2026 (before the tenancy is agreed), and for existing tenancies that are entirely verbal with no written record. It must cover the key terms listed below.
Read the gov.uk written-information guidance
Written statement of terms - what it must cover
The minimum information a written statement must contain, per gov.uk guidance.
- The landlord's name (and any joint landlords).
- A postal address in England or Wales where the tenant can send legal notices.
- The name of every tenant, including joint tenants.
- The address of the property.
- The tenancy start date (when the tenant can first move in).
- The rent amount and when it is due.
- A statement that rent increases will be by a notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
- Which bills are covered by the rent or payable separately (council tax, utilities, TV licence, communications, green-deal improvements).
- The deposit amount, if any (the separate 30-day deposit-protection rules still apply).
- The minimum notice the tenant must give to end the tenancy (cannot be more than two months; defaults to two months if not stated).
- An explanation that in most cases you can only end the tenancy by obtaining and executing a possession order.
Civil penalties apply for not giving this information on time, enforced by the local authority. The exact penalty depends on the breach - check the current gov.uk guidance. This tracker is a record-keeping aid, not legal advice.
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Last reviewed: 2 June 2026. England only. Always check the current gov.uk guidance before acting.