Compliance checklist for new tenancies

As of 1st May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act comes into force, and the default tenancy in England will be the Assured Periodic Tenancy.

These tenancies impose a number of new legal duties on landlords, including:

• The service of a written statement of the tenancy terms before the tenancy is agreed;
• Not accepting rent before the tenancy agreement is signed;
• Stating a listed rental amount on adverts and not accepting bids above this.

These new duties are in addition to the existing requirements around property standards, deposit protection and how the tenant's data is being used.

Failing to perform these duties can lead to substantial financial penalties, so it's very important to comply, and keep evidence you have done so. To help you prove you have met your key legal obligations, the NRLA provides a form that you can give to your tenants to confirm they have received key documents at the right time.

They can then sign this to confirm you have provided all the essential documents a landlord is required to give, as well as the keys and a copy of the tenancy agreement.

What am I legally obliged to provide or do?

If you are signing a tenancy on or after 1st May 2026, you need to provide the following documents:

• A written statement of key tenancy terms prior to agreeing the tenancy (usually included in the assured periodic tenancy agreement itself);
• A valid Gas Safety Certificate if you have gas appliances before occupation;
• The current Energy Performance Certificate, unless your property is rented out as individual rooms;
• A current Electrical Installation Condition Report for the property before occupation;
• The deposit scheme leaflet and prescribed information within 30 days of receiving the deposit;
• A privacy notice outlining how the tenant's data will be used;

Landlords must also ensure that:

• Smoke alarms are fitted on every floor used as a living space and are in working order at the outset of the tenancy;
• Carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in every room with a fuel burning source (except gas cookers), and are in working order at the outset of the tenancy;
• No rent is accepted before the tenancy is agreed (except money that was initially used as a holding deposit);
• The agreed rent for the tenancy is not above the advertised price.
• Immigration checks have been performed on every adult occupant to establish they have a 'right to rent' in the UK before entering into the tenancy. 

What else should I provide?

It is also extremely good practice to provide:

• An inventory and schedule of condition;
• A copy of any licence conditions that you may want your tenants to follow (if applicable);
• A copy of the superior lease if there are terms in it that you want your tenants to follow (if you have a superior landlord).

Providing this information helps to protect you by ensuring you have a record showing the property in good condition, and ensuring the tenants know the additional obligations they have to follow outside of their tenancy agreement.