Tenancy Paperwork
What you need at each stage, free checklists, and a solicitor when you need one drafted.
How Wala can help
- Documents tailored to England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Rent arrears letters, inventories and move-in checklists
- Plain-English explanations of each clause
- Professional review available for complex situations
Tenancy agreements and landlord paperwork after May 2026
In England, new tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies — old fixed-term AST templates shouldn't be used. Landlords must give a written statement of the key terms, and existing tenants had to receive the government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet.
Wala explains which documents you need at each stage — tenancy agreement, deposit prescribed information, gas safety record, EICR, EPC and How to Rent — and what to fix if something is missing.
Common questions
Can I still use a 12-month fixed-term tenancy?
Not for new private tenancies in England. Since 1 May 2026 they are periodic, and tenants can end them with 2 months' notice. Use an agreement written for the new rules.
What documents must a landlord give a tenant?
Typically the written terms of the tenancy, the deposit prescribed information within 30 days, a gas safety record, the EICR, the EPC and, for existing tenancies, the Information Sheet. Wala's compliance check lists them for your property.
What happens if I didn't protect the deposit?
The tenant can claim 1 to 3 times the deposit, and it blocks most possession grounds until it's put right. Protect it now (or return it) and get advice on your possession plans.