Written Record of Tenancy Terms
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 requires landlords in England to provide every tenant with a written statement of the agreed tenancy terms. Generate yours free — no card required.
What is a written statement of tenancy terms?
A written statement of tenancy terms is a document that sets out the key conditions agreed between a landlord and tenant. It records the essentials: who the parties are, which property is let, how much rent is payable and when, when the tenancy started, and the landlord’s contact details.
Unlike a full tenancy agreement, a written statement is a concise record of the minimum prescribed particulars. It does not need to be a lengthy legal contract to satisfy the statutory obligation — but it must be provided before or at the commencement of every new assured tenancy.
This document is particularly important where a tenancy was agreed verbally or where the landlord and tenant did not sign a formal written agreement. In those cases, the written statement is the landlord’s primary means of complying with the duty introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
It is also useful as a standalone record even when a full tenancy agreement exists: it provides the tenant with a plain-English summary of the core terms, and serves as evidence of what was agreed at the outset if a dispute arises later.
What changed under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
Before the RRA 2025, there was no universal statutory duty requiring landlords to provide a written tenancy agreement or written terms. Many tenancies were agreed verbally or on informal email chains, leaving tenants without a clear record of their rights and obligations.
New duty under RRA 2025 — Section 1
The Act imposes a statutory duty on landlords to provide tenants with a written statement of tenancy terms. This applies to all new assured tenancies (which under RRA 2025 are all periodic — fixed terms are abolished). The statement must be given before or at the start of the tenancy.
Fixed terms abolished — all tenancies are now periodic
The RRA 2025 abolishes fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. All new residential tenancies in England are now periodic from day one. This means landlords can no longer specify a six-month or twelve-month fixed term. The written statement must reflect the periodic nature of the tenancy.
Civil penalties for non-compliance
A tenant who has not received the written statement can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The Tribunal can declare the terms and impose a civil penalty on the landlord. Non-compliance can also undermine possession proceedings.
Common mistakes landlords make
- ✗Assuming a verbal agreement is sufficient. Even if the landlord and tenant verbally agreed every term, the RRA 2025 requires those terms to be recorded in writing and handed to the tenant. A verbal agreement alone does not satisfy the statutory duty.
- ✗Using an old fixed-term AST template. Templates written for six-month or twelve-month fixed terms no longer reflect the law in England. All new tenancies are periodic. A written statement based on a fixed-term structure creates contradictions that could be challenged at Tribunal.
- ✗Omitting the landlord’s contact address. A valid address for the landlord is a prescribed particular. Providing only an email address is insufficient under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 s.48. The statement must contain a postal address in England or Wales.
- ✗Not providing it before the tenancy starts. The duty requires the statement to be given before or at commencement. Sending it a week after the tenant moves in does not comply with the timing requirement, even if the content is correct.
- ✗Confusing a written statement with a tenancy agreement. A written statement records the minimum prescribed particulars. It does not include clauses covering repair obligations, permitted use, or other standard contractual terms. If you want comprehensive contractual protection, generate a full assured periodic tenancy agreement.
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Enter the property address, tenant name, rent amount, and start date. Get a written statement of tenancy terms that meets your obligation under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — no credit card required.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it now a legal requirement to give tenants a written statement of terms?
Yes. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 imposes a statutory duty on landlords to provide tenants with a written statement of tenancy terms before or at the start of the tenancy. This applies to all new assured tenancies in England.
What must the written statement include?
At minimum: the names of all parties, the property address, the rent amount and due date, the date the tenancy started, the notice periods for rent increases, and the landlord’s contact address. Additional prescribed particulars may be specified by regulation.
What happens if I don’t provide a written statement?
A tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to have the terms declared. The Tribunal can impose a civil penalty on the landlord. Failure to comply can also complicate any future possession proceedings.
Does a written statement replace a formal tenancy agreement?
No. A written statement of terms and a full tenancy agreement are different documents. A full assured periodic tenancy agreement is more comprehensive. However, a written statement satisfies the statutory minimum obligation under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Do these rules apply to verbal agreements?
Yes. Even where a tenancy was agreed verbally, the landlord must still provide the written statement. The RRA 2025 specifically addresses situations where there is no written agreement in place.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. RightsReady generates documents for routine use on standard assured tenancies in England. Always review documents carefully before use and consult a solicitor for complex or disputed matters.