What Is the Written Statement of Terms and When Must I Provide It?

From 1st May 2026, private landlords in England are legally required to provide tenants with a Written Statement of Terms before they sign a new tenancy agreement. This is one of the most significant new obligations under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — and one of the most commonly misunderstood.

What is the Written Statement of Terms?

The Written Statement of Terms is a document that sets out the key terms of the tenancy in writing. It must be provided to the tenant before they sign the tenancy agreement — not after, and not at the same time as signing. The Act is clear: the tenant must have the written statement in their hands before the agreement is signed.

Why has this been introduced?

Previously, verbal tenancy agreements were legally valid in England. A landlord and tenant could agree terms by phone or in person and the tenancy would be binding. The new requirement ensures every tenant has a written record of the terms they are agreeing to before they commit.

What must the Written Statement include?

The Written Statement must include the following information at minimum:

• The address of the property
• The name and contact address of the landlord
• The start date of the tenancy
• The amount of rent and when it is due
• How rent can be reviewed (Section 13 process only — no rent review clauses)
• The amount of the deposit and which scheme it is protected in
• The notice periods that apply
• Any restrictions on the tenant — such as no pets, no subletting
• Information about the landlord's repair obligations

When exactly must it be provided?

The Written Statement must be given to the tenant before the tenancy agreement is signed. If you are signing in person, you must hand it to them at the meeting before they sign. If you are signing remotely, you must send it and confirm they have received it before the agreement is executed.

There is no grace period. Providing it on the day of signing but after the signature is a breach.

What about advance rent?

From 1st May 2026, landlords cannot request more than one month's rent in advance for new tenancies. This restriction should be reflected in your Written Statement — if you request advance rent, it must not exceed one month.

What is the penalty for not providing it?

The fine for failing to provide a Written Statement is up to £7,000 for a first breach. For a repeated breach, the fine rises to up to £40,000. Local authorities are responsible for enforcement.

Does it apply to existing tenancies?

No — the Written Statement requirement applies to new tenancies entered into on or after 1st May 2026. Existing tenancies that convert to periodic tenancies on 1st May do not require a new Written Statement, although landlords are required to provide the Government Information Sheet to existing tenants by 31st May 2026.

What about verbal agreements?

If a verbal agreement is reached before 1st May 2026 but the written agreement is not signed until after that date, the Written Statement requirement applies. The relevant date is when the tenancy agreement is signed, not when the verbal agreement was made.

How can LegalDraft Pro help?

Our Written Statement of Terms generator at LegalDraft Pro creates a legally compliant document tailored to your property and tenancy in minutes. It covers all required fields under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and is updated to reflect the latest requirements. Available to Landlord Pro members.