office@cook-legal.co.uk
0151 665 0320If you rent a property in England, there is a document your landlord is legally required to give you — and if they haven’t provided it by 31 May 2026, they may be in breach of their obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.
This guide explains exactly what that document is, why it matters, and what steps you can take if your landlord has failed to provide it.
What Document Does a Landlord Need to Provide?
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026, landlords in England are required to issue all tenants with a written statement of their tenancy terms — often referred to as a Written Statement of Terms or a compliant tenancy agreement that meets the new minimum requirements set out in the Act.
The document must clearly set out:
- The address of the property
- The amount of rent and when it is due
- The notice periods for ending the tenancy
- The landlord’s name and contact address
- Details of any permitted rent increases and the process for challenging them
- Information about deposit protection
The government set 31 May 2026 as the compliance deadline for existing tenancies. New tenancies created after the Act came into force required this documentation from day one. If you signed a new tenancy after the Act took effect and did not receive these terms, your landlord is already in breach.
Why Does This Matter for Tenants?
The Renters’ Rights Act made significant changes to how tenancies in England work. The abolition of no fault eviction — previously possible under Section 21 — means landlords can no longer simply serve notice to remove a tenant without reason. But these protections only work if both landlord and tenant clearly understand the terms of the tenancy.
A written statement of terms protects you because:
- It confirms your rent amount and prevents informal changes
- It makes any rent increase notice process transparent
- It sets out what grounds a landlord must use to end your tenancy
- It provides evidence if a dispute arises
Without this document, tenants are in a weaker position if things go wrong — even though the law is now more firmly on your side than ever before.
What Should You Do If Your Landlord Hasn’t Provided It?
Step 1: Ask in Writing
Send your landlord an email or letter requesting the written statement of terms. Keep it factual and polite. Reference the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 and the 31 May deadline. This creates a paper trail that will be useful if the matter escalates.
Step 2: Give a Reasonable Deadline
Allow your landlord 7 to 14 days to respond and provide the document. Landlords are not always aware of every detail of the new law, and a written reminder may be all that is needed.
Step 3: Contact Your Local Council
Local housing authorities have enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act. If your landlord refuses to provide the required documentation or fails to comply within a reasonable time, you can report this to your local council. They have the ability to investigate and issue civil penalties.
Step 4: Apply to the Housing Ombudsman or First-Tier Tribunal
Depending on the nature of the failure and your circumstances, you may have recourse through the Housing Ombudsman Service or by making an application to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). These routes are particularly relevant if you also have concerns about deposit protection, rent increases, or your landlord’s refusal to carry out repairs.
Step 5: Seek Legal Advice
If your landlord is unresponsive or the situation is becoming contentious, it is worth speaking to a solicitor who specialises in residential tenancy law. A short consultation can clarify your rights and the strength of any claim you may have.
What About Landlords Who Use Managing Agents?
If your property is managed by a letting agent, the responsibility to provide the written statement of terms still lies with the landlord — not the agent. However, a competent managing agent should have ensured compliance on their client’s behalf. If you deal with an agent rather than the landlord directly, send your written request to both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my landlord doesn’t provide the written statement?
Your landlord may face a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first offence under the Renters’ Rights Act. Repeat offences can attract higher penalties. You may also be able to use the failure as grounds for a formal complaint or tribunal application.
Does this apply to all tenancies?
The requirement applies to assured tenancies in England. Most standard private rental arrangements fall into this category. If you are unsure whether your tenancy type is covered, a solicitor can advise you quickly.
My landlord says they already gave me a tenancy agreement — is that enough?
It depends on what the agreement contains. Older style agreements may not meet the new minimum requirements under the Renters’ Rights Act. If your agreement pre-dates the Act and does not cover all the required terms, your landlord should provide a compliant updated version or addendum.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t comply?
No. Withholding rent is not the appropriate remedy and could put you in breach of the tenancy. Use the steps above to pursue the matter through proper channels. A solicitor can advise on the best approach for your circumstances.
What should landlords do now?
If you are a landlord reading this, act immediately. Review your tenancy documentation, ensure all current tenants have received a compliant written statement of terms, and take legal advice if you are unsure whether your documentation meets the new standards.
How Cook Legal Solicitors Can Help
At Cook Legal Solicitors, we advise both landlords and tenants on their rights and obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026. Whether you need help reviewing a tenancy agreement, pursuing a landlord who is not complying with their obligations, or understanding what the changes mean for your property portfolio, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for straightforward, practical legal advice on residential tenancy matters.