Written Statement of Terms — landlord obligations in England
The law requires you to give your tenant a written statement of the terms of their tenancy before or at the time you both enter into the tenancy agreement. This document must include all the items listed in the regulations, such as rent, deposit, and notices. You must do this for each new tenancy, unless it is a social housing tenancy or certain other exceptions apply.
The law that creates this obligation
Your obligations as a landlord
- Who this applies to: All landlords with most private residential tenancies. Some specialist tenancy types are excluded, including social housing.
- When it applies: Before the tenancy starts, or within 28 days of certain events like succession or a tenancy becoming assured.
- What you must do: Provide a written statement that includes all prescribed items listed in the regulations, such as names, property address, rent, deposit, and any notices required by law.
What good evidence looks like
Your compliance file should contain
- Written record or document confirming this obligation has been met
- Date of compliance — email timestamp, signed receipt, or platform log
- When a new tenancy is about to start, set a reminder to prepare and serve the written statement before the tenancy date.
Upload a copy of the written statement of terms given to the tenant before the tenancy started.
Record this obligation in your LettingsLedger workspace
Upload evidence, set reminders, and build a timestamped compliance record — all in one place.
Consequences of non-compliance
You could face a civil penalty of up to £7,000. If you still have not provided it 28 days after the first penalty, you could receive another civil penalty. Continued and repeated failure can constitute a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine.
Further reading for landlords
LettingsLedger is a compliance evidence governance platform. It is not a legal services provider and does not provide legal advice. Content is derived from UK primary legislation at legislation.gov.uk and official GOV.UK sources. Reflects the position as at June 2026. A GovProtocol product by Pertheo Limited.