Wording confirmed for new tenancy agreements under Renters’ Rights Act

The government has confirmed the wording for new written statements required under the Renters’ Rights Act.

From 1 May, landlords will be required to provide a written statement containing specific mandatory information before tenancy agreements are signed.

The government has published secondary legislation in draft setting out what should be included, giving the sector the opportunity to start preparing new tenancy agreements ahead of 1 May.

What information needs to go in a written statement for an assured periodic tenancy?

The NRLA points out that mandatory information that must be included is:

+ The name of the landlord (including all joint landlords) for the tenancy

+ The name of all of the tenants

+ An address in England or Wales where notices can be served on the landlord

+ The address of the property being let

+ The date on which the tenant is entitled to possession of the property from

+ The rent and when it is due

+ A statement that the landlord must serve a Section 13 notice to increase rent

+ Details on whether any utilities, television licences, communication services or council tax are included in the rent or paid by the tenant to the landlord. If they are paid separately then this must include details of either how it will be paid and when it is due, or how the tenant will be notified of this.

+ If a deposit is taken, the amount of the security deposit that has been paid (but not which scheme it will be protected in)

+ The minimum notice period a tenant will have to give to terminate the agreement (normally two months but can be shorter if you wish).

+ A statement setting out that in accordance with the Housing Act 1988, a) The landlord can normally only end an assured tenancy via a court order; and b) To get a court order the landlord will normally need to serve a notice seeking possession in a prescribed form (The Section 8 Notice) and setting out the grounds for possession. c) The notice period will be determined by the grounds for possession that are used.

+ In most cases, a statement that the landlord is under an obligation to ensure the property is fit for human habitation

+ In most cases, a statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: In most cases, a statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under the Electrical Safety regulations
If there is gas in the property, a statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under the Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations

+ Information about Section 190 of the Equality Act. This sets out that a landlord may not unreasonably withhold consent to an adaptation that would facilitate a disabled occupant’s enjoyment of the premises.

+ A statement that the tenant may request a pet in accordance with Section 16A of the Housing Act 1988 and that the landlord may not unreasonably withhold consent.

+ If the tenancy is for supported accommodation, a statement to that effect and an explanation as to why it meets the criteria for supported accommodation.

What about existing tenancies?

If an existing tenancy is already in writing, landlords do not need to issue a new agreement or separate statement. They must, however, provide tenants with a government-issued information sheet outlining the changes by 31 May.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, commented: “For new tenancies entered on or after 1 May 2026, tenants must be provided with the Written Statement of Terms and Information. Also, this applies to any current tenancies that are based on verbal agreements started before 1 May 2026. This will need to be done before a tenancy agreement is signed or otherwise agree the tenancy. The information can be provided within a written tenancy agreement or given separately. Failure to provide a compliant written statement can expose landlords and agents acting on their behalf to enforcement action, including a fine.

“The list of information that will need to be included has been published in a draft Statutory Instrument. This information list is a draft and may change with a final version expected in March. Following feedback, we are pleased that the UK Government has clarified when and how the information must be provided alongside tenancy agreements. Furthermore, the Written Statement of Terms includes an address where notices can be served on the landlord by tenants. However, the document should include the agent’s details if one is used and be future-proofed to include space for the landlord’s unique identifier to match information on the PRS Database.

“For existing tenancies (created before 1 May 2026), landlords won’t need to change a current tenancy agreement if one is in place or issue a new one. Instead, landlords with existing tenancies will need to provide tenants with a copy of the UK Government published ‘Information Sheet’ on or before 31 May 2026. This will be published in March 2026. The information sheet must be given to all tenants named on a tenancy agreement. It can be provided electronically or in hard copy.”

Eddie Hooker, CEO, mydeposits, said: This is the first time landlords and agents can clearly see what compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act will look like in practice.

The government has now moved beyond high-level policy and set out the actual wording and level of detail that must be provided to tenants before a tenancy begins, turning reform from theory into day-to-day paperwork reality.

From a deposit perspective, greater clarity at the outset of a tenancy is particularly important. Many of the disputes we handle relate to disagreements over responsibilities for cleaning, damage, maintenance or charges at the end of a tenancy. Clear, prescribed written information about obligations and liabilities should help reduce scope for dispute by ensuring both parties start the tenancy with the same understanding of what is expected.

However, this is just the start of the implementation process. Landlords should not underestimate the significance of these changes and would be well advised to begin reviewing their documentation and understanding their new obligations now, rather than waiting until the new requirements come into force.

Sean Hooker, head of redress, Property Redress, added: “Things will start to move very quickly, and many landlords will be relying on their agents to protect their interests.

“The serving of the written statement is a critical legal requirement. Where an agent is instructed to undertake this on a landlord’s behalf, they must ensure they have clear written authority to do so, fully understand the process, and comply with the required timescales.

“Agents should also take steps to protect themselves and fully understand what they are taking on, including the liabilities and risks that come with accepting responsibility for serving the written statement

“For many, this will mean seeking legal advice and, in some cases, considering the use of specialist professional services to ensure the requirements are met, the correct evidence is retained, and landlords are protected from the risk of significant financial penalties, including fines of up to £7,000.”

Read the orginal article: https://propertyindustryeye.com/wording-confirmed-for-new-tenancy-agreements-under-renters-rights-act/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wording-confirmed-for-new-tenancy-agreements-under-renters-rights-act