From 1 May 2026 most private tenants must get either:

• a tenancy agreement

• written information about your tenancy

Your landlord or agent must give you one of these before you sign an agreement. You might get both.

You get a tenancy agreement or the written information so that you can:

• understand your tenancy rights

• decide if you want to agree to the tenancy

What should your tenancy agreement say?

From 1 May 2026, new tenants must be given:

• your landlord's name

• your landlord or agent's address

• the names of all tenants

• the property address and tenancy start date

• details of rent and bills included in the tenancy

• tenancy deposit amount

• information on ending your tenancy and eviction

These details can be in your tenancy agreement or in your written information.

There is no standard form for a tenancy agreement.

Information on your tenancy rights

These rights must be in your tenancy agreement or in your written information:

• repair rights

• gas safety checks each year

• electrical safety checks every 5 years

• the right to some disability adaptations

• the right to ask to keep a pet

You have these rights by law, even if your landlord does not put them in your contract.

Other terms in your tenancy agreement

Your tenancy agreement might include other terms.

These might give you extra rights. For example, a term might say your landlord will fix a broken cooker or washing machine.

Sham agreements

Some landlords might try to:

• give you the wrong type of agreement - this is sometimes called a sham agreement

• include something that is not law in your agreement

Your landlord cannot give you fewer rights than you have in law.

Other documents you should get

Before the tenancy starts, your landlord should also give you:

• the most recent gas safety certificate

• an energy performance certificate (EPC)

• information about your deposit and the deposit protection scheme it is registered with

If you do not understand the information

Many tenancy agreements use legal words.

Ask the landlord if you're not sure what some words mean.

You could also ask a housing adviser or renters' union.

If your landlord does not give you an agreement or written information

Show the landlord or agent this guidance on GOV.UK

You could also complain to your local council.

The council could fine your landlord up to £7000.

Find your council on GOV.UK

Can you cancel a tenancy agreement before you move in?

It is hard to get out of a tenancy agreement once you sign it.

Let the landlord know straight away if you change your mind.

Find out how to end your tenancy if you cannot cancel it.

When you might not have a tenancy agreement

It is harder for your landlord to say you have a tenancy agreement if you:

• only talked about the tenancy

• paid a holding deposit but did not agree to anything

• do not have a contract or written information about the tenancy

If your landlord agrees to cancel

Ask the landlord to confirm in writing that:

• the tenancy will not go ahead

• they will not charge you rent