Tenancy Agreements

Although it is possible to create a legal tenancy without a tenancy agreement, this is most unwise. Landlords need to have a properly drafted written tenancy agreement signed before tenants are given the keys and allowed into occupation. This will protect both landlords and tenants.

Plus, written agreements are now mandatory under the Renters Rights Act. Landlords who fail to provide tenants with a compliant document can be fined up to £7,000.

In this section, we take a look at tenancy agreements – what they are and how they work, plus you will find links to where you can go to generate one of our many tenancy agreement forms.

There is also information about amending tenancy agreements with links to our various forms to renew or amend your tenancy agreement (for example, by allowing your tenant to keep a pet).

Rented Property in Wales

Note that housing law has changed in Wales with effect from 1 December 2022.

See the Wales page to find out more.

Articles

Existing tenancies as at 1 May 2026

For most assured and assured shorthold tenancies created before 1 May 2026, landlords should have given every named tenant a copy of the government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.

There are transitional rules where the landlord served a valid section 21 or section 8 notice before 1 May 2026. In those cases, the Information Sheet must generally be given within one month after:

the notice ceases to be valid; or
any possession proceedings commenced in time come to an end without possession being granted.

The Information Sheet can be downloaded from here.

See our FAQ for more information.

Note: The Information Sheet must still be given for an existing tenancy whose terms were recorded in writing, even if the landlord has subsequently provided an RRA-compliant APT.

Letting agents: If you manage the property on the landlord’s behalf, you must give the Information Sheet to the tenants even if the landlord has already done so.

Top Tips

Top Tips for landlords on tenancy agreements

Create a Tenancy Agreement

Find guidance and links to the forms here

The Tenancy Agreement draft additional clauses are here

See the additional forms here

Guidance on house rules is here

We recommend you incorporate our Procedures into your tenancy agreement.