The Government has now confirmed the draft wording that must be included in new written tenancy statements under the Renters’ Rights Act, giving landlords and letting agents much-needed clarity ahead of the changes coming into force later this year.

From 1 May, landlords will be legally required to provide tenants with a written statement setting out specific mandatory information before a tenancy agreement is signed. The publication of draft secondary legislation now allows landlords time to review their existing documentation and prepare updated tenancy agreements well in advance of the deadline.

These changes form part of the Government’s wider overhaul of the private rented sector, with a strong focus on improving transparency, strengthening tenant protections and ensuring landlords fully understand and meet their legal obligations.

Why written tenancy statements are being introduced

One of the key aims of the Renters’ Rights Act is to ensure tenants have a clear and consistent understanding of their tenancy from day one. In the past, tenancy agreements have varied widely in quality and clarity, sometimes leading to confusion or disputes around rent, notice periods and responsibilities.

By introducing mandatory written statements with clearly defined content, the Government is seeking to create greater consistency across the sector. Tenants will be better informed about their rights, while landlords will be held to clearer standards. For landlords, this represents a shift away from informal or outdated agreements and towards a more structured and transparent approach to letting property.

What information must be included in the written statement

Under the new rules, the written statement for an assured periodic tenancy must contain a comprehensive range of information covering the tenancy, the property and the legal framework that governs the relationship between landlord and tenant.

The statement must identify the landlord by name, including all joint landlords where applicable and list the names of all tenants. It must also provide an address in England or Wales where legal notices can be served on the landlord, alongside the full address of the rented property. In addition, the statement must clearly confirm the date on which the tenant is entitled to take possession of the property, as well as the amount of rent payable and the frequency with which it is due.

Landlords must also explain how rent increases work under the new system. The statement must confirm that rent can only be increased by serving a formal Section 13 notice, ensuring tenants understand that rent rises cannot be imposed informally or without proper notice.

The written statement must also explain how a tenancy can be brought to an end. It must make clear that, in most cases, a landlord can only end an assured tenancy through a court order and that this usually requires serving a prescribed Section 8 notice setting out the grounds for possession. The statement must also explain that the length of notice depends on the grounds being relied upon. This is particularly important following the removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, as it reinforces the tenant’s security of tenure.

Clarity around household costs is another key requirement. Landlords must specify whether utilities, council tax, television licences or communication services are included in the rent. Where these costs are paid separately, the statement must explain how and when payment is due or how the tenant will be notified of charges. This is intended to reduce disputes and misunderstandings once the tenancy has begun.

If a security deposit is taken, the statement must confirm the amount paid, although it does not need to name the deposit protection scheme. The tenant’s minimum notice period for ending the tenancy must also be included, which will normally be two months unless the landlord chooses to allow a shorter period.

The statement must also clearly set out the landlord’s legal obligations in most cases. This includes confirming the duty to ensure the property is fit for human habitation, obligations to keep the structure and installations in repair under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and responsibilities under electrical safety regulations. Where gas is present, the landlord’s duties under gas safety regulations must also be stated.

In addition, the statement must reference the Equality Act, making clear that a landlord must not unreasonably withhold consent for adaptations that would allow a disabled occupant to enjoy the property. Tenants must also be informed of their right to request a pet and the landlord’s obligation not to unreasonably refuse consent. Where a tenancy relates to supported accommodation, the statement must confirm this and explain why the property meets the relevant criteria.

How landlords should provide the information

For tenancies signed on or after 1 May, this mandatory information will usually be incorporated directly into the assured periodic tenancy agreement. Landlords do not need to issue a separate written statement unless they choose to do so. However, it is essential that landlords use updated tenancy templates that fully reflect the new requirements.

Using older tenancy agreements after 1 May is likely to result in incorrect or incomplete information being provided, which could leave landlords in breach of the Renters’ Rights Act and open to enforcement action by local authorities.

What happens if landlords fail to comply

Failure to provide the required written statement is a breach of the Renters’ Rights Act and can lead to civil penalties being imposed by local authorities. In many cases, fines are expected to be around four thousand pounds, with higher penalties possible for repeat or serious breaches. Beyond the financial impact, non-compliance could also undermine a landlord’s ability to enforce tenancy terms or regain possession through the courts.

What about existing tenancies?

Landlords do not need to replace existing written tenancy agreements or issue new contracts for tenancies already in place. Instead, they will be required to provide existing tenants with a separate information sheet explaining the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.

This information sheet is expected to be published by the Government in March and must be served on existing tenants no later than 31 May. This approach is designed to keep tenants informed without forcing landlords to reissue contracts unnecessarily.

What landlords should do now

Although the legislation is currently in draft form, significant changes are unlikely. Landlords should use the time available to review their current tenancy documentation, update templates where necessary and ensure they fully understand the new requirements. It is also sensible to check that property compliance records are up to date and to plan how information will be communicated to existing tenants.

Taking a proactive approach now will help landlords avoid last-minute pressure, reduce the risk of penalties and demonstrate professionalism and preparedness as the new rules take effect.

Final thoughts

The confirmation of tenancy wording under the Renters’ Rights Act marks an important step in reshaping the private rented sector. While the changes bring additional responsibilities for landlords, they also provide clarity and consistency that should benefit both parties in the long term.

For landlords who prepare early and take compliance seriously, the transition should be manageable. Those who delay or rely on outdated practices, however, may find the new enforcement landscape far less forgiving.

What should landlords do next?

With the Renters’ Rights Act bringing significant changes into force from 1 May, now is the time for landlords to review their tenancy agreements and ensure they are fully compliant. Leaving this too late could expose you to unnecessary risk, fines and delays when letting your property.

If you’re unsure whether your current tenancy documentation is up to date or if you would like support preparing for the new rules, our experienced lettings team at Seths is here to help.

We work closely with landlords to ensure tenancies are set up correctly from the outset, giving you confidence, compliance and peace of mind.

📞 Speak to our lettings specialists today on 0116 266 9977 or get in touch with your local Seths office for tailored advice on your property

Preparing now means fewer problems later and a smoother transition when the new legislation comes into effect.