From 1st May 2026, landlords must provide every new tenant with a Written Statement of Terms before the tenancy is signed. Here is exactly what it must contain and what happens if you don't provide it.
From 1st May 2026, every private landlord in England must provide new tenants with a Written Statement of Terms before the tenancy agreement is signed. Fail to provide it and you face a fine of up to £7,000.
This is one of the most overlooked new obligations under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — and one of the most important.
The Written Statement of Terms is a mandatory document that sets out the key terms and statutory information about a new Assured Periodic Tenancy. It is required under Section 12 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which inserts a new Section 16D into the Housing Act 1988.
It is not the same as a tenancy agreement, though the information can be included within one. It is a prescribed information document that ensures every tenant knows their rights and the landlord's obligations before they commit to a tenancy.
The exact contents are set out in The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026.
All private landlords and letting agents in England granting new Assured Periodic Tenancies from 1st May 2026.
It is not required for existing tenancies that were wholly in writing before 1st May 2026 — those tenants receive the Government Information Sheet instead.
It is required for:
Before the tenancy agreement is signed. This is a pre-condition, not something you can hand over on moving-in day.
The tenant must have enough time to read and understand it before they commit to the tenancy.
The Written Statement must include all of the following:
1. Parties
Full name of the landlord and each tenant, plus an address in England or Wales for each party to be used as an address for service of notices.
2. Property
The full address of the property being let.
3. Tenancy
Confirmation that the tenancy is an Assured Periodic Tenancy under the Housing Act 1988 as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025, the start date, and that the rent period is monthly.
4. Rent
The monthly rent amount, the due date, the payment method, and a statement that any rent increase will be proposed by the landlord serving notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. Whether utility bills, council tax and other outgoings are included in the rent or payable separately.
5. Deposit
The amount of any deposit taken and the name of the deposit protection scheme.
6. Tenant's right to end the tenancy
A statement that the tenant may end the tenancy by giving a minimum of 2 months' written notice from day one of the tenancy.
7. How the landlord can end the tenancy
A statement that the landlord may only end the tenancy by applying for and obtaining a court order for possession. Section 21 no-fault eviction is abolished and cannot be used.
8. Fitness for habitation
A statement of the landlord's obligation to ensure the property is fit for human habitation under Section 9A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
9. Repairs
A statement of the landlord's repairing obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 — structure and exterior, water, gas, electricity and sanitation installations, and space heating and hot water.
10. Gas safety (where applicable — gas properties only)
A statement that the landlord must maintain gas fittings and flues in safe condition, have them checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and provide a copy of the inspection record to the tenant.
11. Electrical safety
A statement that the landlord must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested as required by a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and provide a copy to the tenant.
12. Pets
A statement that under Section 16A of the Housing Act 1988, the tenant has the right to request permission to keep a pet. The landlord must respond within 42 days and cannot unreasonably refuse.
13. Disability improvements
A statement that under Section 190 of the Equality Act 2010, the tenant may request improvements to the property to meet the needs of a disabled occupant, and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
14. Tenant obligations
Basic obligations including paying rent on time, keeping the property in good condition, reporting disrepair, allowing access on 24 hours' written notice, not subletting without consent, and not making alterations without consent.
Up to £7,000 for a first breach. Up to £40,000 for a repeat breach.
The fine is imposed by the local housing authority. There is no grace period.
No. The Written Statement is a mandatory information document. The APT Agreement is the full tenancy contract. In practice, most landlords will incorporate the Written Statement into their tenancy agreement so both are provided in one document before signing.
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General information only — not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor before using any document with tenants.
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General information only — not legal advice