What Must Be Included in a UK Tenancy Agreement (2026)
A thorough tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant by setting clear expectations from day one. This guide breaks down every clause — mandatory and recommended — that should feature in a compliant UK tenancy agreement.
Legally requiredStrongly recommended
1. Parties to the Agreement
Required- Landlord's full legal name
- Landlord's address in England or Wales for service of notices
- Full name(s) of all adult tenants
- Tenant's current address (if different from the property)
2. The Property
Required- Full address of the rental property
- Type of property (house, flat, room, commercial)
- Furnishing status (furnished, unfurnished, or part-furnished)
- Any areas excluded from the tenancy (e.g. landlord's storage)
3. Tenancy Type and Duration
Required- Type of tenancy (assured periodic tenancy under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, or commercial lease)
- Start date of the tenancy
- Confirmation that the tenancy runs on a periodic basis with no fixed end date (residential)
- The rent period the tenancy rolls on (e.g. monthly)
4. Rent
Required- Monthly (or weekly) rent amount
- Payment date (e.g. 1st of each month)
- Accepted payment methods
- Any agreed rent review process
5. Deposit
Required- Deposit amount
- Name of the government-approved protection scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS)
- Circumstances in which deductions may be made
- Process for returning the deposit at the end of the tenancy
6. Tenant Obligations
Recommended- Obligation to pay rent on time
- Keep the property clean and in good order
- Report repairs and maintenance issues promptly
- Not to sublet or take in lodgers without permission
- Not to make structural alterations without consent
- Comply with any restrictions in the head lease (if leasehold property)
7. Landlord Obligations
Recommended- Maintain the structure and exterior of the property
- Keep water, gas, electricity, and sanitation installations in working order
- Carry out annual Gas Safety Check and provide certificate within 28 days
- Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted
- Provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering
- Not interfere with the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the property
8. Utilities and Council Tax
Recommended- Who is responsible for electricity, gas, and water
- Who is responsible for council tax
- Internet and TV licence responsibility
- Process for transferring utility accounts into the tenant's name
9. Notice and Termination
Required- Notice period required from the landlord
- Notice period required from the tenant
- Procedure for ending the tenancy (Section 8 possession grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025)
- What happens if either party wants to leave early
Optional Clauses
Include based on the property and tenancy circumstances
Pet Clause
Whether pets are permitted and any conditions (e.g. additional deposit, professional cleaning at end)
Break Clause
Right to end the tenancy early — who can exercise it, when, and how much notice is required
Garden Maintenance
Who is responsible for lawn mowing, weeding, and general garden upkeep
Number of Occupants
Maximum number of people permitted to live at the property