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.
