The 10-point tenancy agreement checklist
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 most tenancies in England are periodic from the start. Here is what to check before signing.
Before you sign
Run through these ten points on any tenancy agreement.
- Names of all tenants and the landlord or agent, plus a contact address for notices.
- The rent amount, the payment date and the payment method.
- How rent increases will be handled — these are limited to once a year via a formal notice.
- The deposit amount and which government-approved scheme protects it.
- The notice period you must give to end the tenancy.
- Repair and maintenance responsibilities, and how to report a problem.
- Rules on pets — landlords must consider requests and cannot refuse unreasonably.
- Any clauses about subletting, lodgers or working from home.
- The inventory and the condition of the property at move-in, with photos.
- Whether bills, council tax or broadband are included.
Things that should not be there
Section 21 'no fault' evictions have been abolished, and fixed-term ASTs are no longer the default. If an agreement relies on either, ask the landlord or agent to explain it before you sign.
Not sure what your letter is asking?
Upload your document to ClariDoc. We'll explain it in plain English, pull out the deadline and give you a clear next-step checklist — usually in under a minute.
Private to your account Analysed in seconds