What terms must be in a tenancy agreement?

This guidance applies to England unless stated otherwise. A tenancy agreement can be created verbally or in writing, but a written agreement is strongly recommended for both parties. There are certain terms implied into every assured tenancy by statute which override any contrary written terms — these include the landlord's repairing obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the right to quiet enjoyment. Beyond these implied terms, a comprehensive written tenancy agreement should include: the full names of all landlords and tenants; the full address of the property; the agreed rent amount, payment frequency, and payment date; the start date (since 1 May 2026, private tenancies in England are periodic, with no fixed end date); the amount of the deposit and the scheme in which it will be protected; which party is responsible for which utilities and council tax; rules about pets, subletting, and alterations; information about how the tenancy can be ended; and any specific restrictions agreed by the parties. Before Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026, failing to provide the government's "How to Rent" guide could make a Section 21 notice invalid. The Energy Performance Certificate and Gas Safety Certificate must also be provided. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 has introduced changes to tenancy documentation requirements — landlords and tenants should check current government guidance for the applicable requirements. This information is general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.