Renters' Rights Act, England
The written statement of terms, explained
Since 1 May 2026 every new assured tenancy in England must come with a written statement of its terms. This page sets out what that means in plain English. It is information, not legal advice.
What it is
A written statement of terms is a document from the landlord to the tenant setting out the key terms of the tenancy: the parties, the property, the rent and when it is paid, the deposit and the scheme protecting it, the landlord's address for notices, the grounds on which the landlord may seek possession, and the other matters the regulations list. Government guidance sets out twenty-one items. A well-drafted tenancy agreement can carry all of them, so the statement and the agreement are usually one document.
Who must give it
The landlord. Where a letting agent manages the tenancy the agent will usually prepare it, but the duty sits with the landlord.
When
Before the tenancy is entered into, which in practice means before the tenant signs or agrees to take the property. If any of the stated terms later change, the tenant must be given the updated information in writing.
What it is not
- It is not the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet. The Information Sheet is a general government leaflet about the Act. It does not describe your tenancy and handing it over does not meet the written statement duty.
- It is not a verbal agreement written up afterwards. The statement has to be given before the tenancy starts.
- It is not a prescribed form. There is no official template to fill in; the duty is met by giving the listed information in writing.
What happens if it is missed
A landlord who does not give the statement can face a civil penalty from the local council and may find it harder to rely on some possession grounds. The amount and the process are set by the council under the Act.
Written statement template in the toolkits
Every RentRight Kit toolkit from Essentials upwards includes a written statement of terms guide and a template with all twenty-one items laid out as fields. From Pro upwards the tenancy agreement carries the statement built in. You can also build the tenancy agreement with the generator.
Sources: the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and the regulations made under it (SI 2026/324), and the GOV.UK guidance on written information that must be given to tenants, read 7 Oct 2026. Check the current guidance before relying on any date or figure. England only.