A single approach to tenancy agreements is not suitable for every landlord claims government

A government minister has confirmed that a one-size-fits-all approach to tenancy agreements is not appropriate for every rental property.

In response to a written parliamentary question, housing minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed that landlords must provide certain specific information to tenants, although not every detail needs to be included in the tenancy agreement itself.

However, landlords do not need to provide this information again to existing tenants whose tenancy agreements were signed before 1 May 2026.

A single approach will not be suitable for every tenancy

Mr Pennycook said: “Regulations came into force on 1 May 2026 requiring private rented sector landlords to provide specified information in writing to tenants at the outset of new Assured Periodic Tenancies. We expect landlords will include this information in written tenancy agreements so that tenants receive key information about the terms and conditions of their tenancy.

“The government does not consider it appropriate to mandate a specific tenancy agreement template or wording. A single approach will not be suitable for every tenancy, and landlords and tenants should be able to agree terms that reflect their individual circumstances.

“Landlords should ensure tenants have sufficient opportunity to understand, or seek advice on, the terms of any tenancy agreement before entering into it.”

Information that must be included

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords must provide tenants with the following information as part of their tenancy agreement.

• The landlord’s name: This must include the name of the landlord and any joint landlords. Where a letting agent or property manager is acting on the landlord’s behalf, their name should also be provided.
• An address for serving notices: Landlords must provide a postal address in England or Wales where tenants can send legal notices, such as a notice to end their tenancy. This does not have to be the landlord’s home address and can be a business address, provided post can be received there.

The government explain that landlords do not have to provide an email address or phone number, but they can choose to do so if they would like the tenant to be able to contact them.

Other information that must be included in tenancy agreements include:

• Tenant(s) name – Landlords must include the names of all tenants, including joint tenants.
• Property address – Landlords must include the address of the property where the tenant will live.
• Tenancy start date – Landlords must include the date the tenant is first entitled to possession of the property. This means the first day when they are allowed to move into the property.
• Rent amount and when it is due – must include the amount of rent and when payment is due.
• Rent increases – Landlords must include a statement that if you make a new proposal to increase the rent, you will serve a notice on your tenant in accordance with Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.