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

All landlords of existing assured and assured shorthold tenancies (i.e., created before 1 May 2026, including new tenancies), should have served the government’s information form on tenants before 31 May 2026. However, if landlords have served a valid section 21 or section 8 notice on tenants before 1 May, they get additional time.

The Information Sheet can be downloaded from here.

See our FAQ for more information.

Note – this form must be served for all tenancies signed before 1 May 2026, even if you are using a RRA compliant APT.

Letting agents – if you are managing the property, you need to serve the form even if it has already been served by your landlord.

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.