The compliance document pack for a new tenancy

One dated pack, served before move in, covers most statutory duties at once and creates a single point of proof.

4 min read · Updated 21 August 2026

Overview

A new tenancy triggers several separate duties to give the tenant documents, each with its own deadline and its own consequence for failure. Serving them as one dated pack before the tenant takes occupation is the simplest way to comply and the easiest way to prove compliance later. It also sets a professional tone that reduces disputes throughout the tenancy.

Why it matters

Missing documents block possession routes, support tenant defences and attract enforcement. Almost all of it is avoidable with a checklist and one send.

Legal requirements

The gas safety record must be given before occupation where gas is present.
A valid energy performance certificate must be provided.
The current government guide for tenants must be given in England.
Deposit prescribed information must be served within thirty days of receiving the deposit.

Common mistakes

Serving the government guide after move in rather than before.
Sending an out of date version of the guide.
Providing the EPC graph image rather than the full certificate.
No record of what was sent, when and to whom.

Practical guidance

Assemble the pack before the tenancy starts, not on the day.
Send it electronically with an acknowledgement, and give a paper copy at handover.
Keep the sent record, the acknowledgement and the pack contents together.
Reissue the relevant documents whenever a certificate is renewed or details change.

The full checklist

Tenancy agreement signed by all parties. Gas safety record where applicable. Electrical installation condition report. Energy performance certificate. The current government guide for tenants. Deposit scheme certificate and prescribed information. Inventory and schedule of condition with photographs. Right to rent check evidence. Landlord or agent contact details and repair reporting process. HMO licence where applicable. Fire safety information and evacuation arrangements for flats and shared buildings.

Proving you served it

One dated email with the whole pack attached, plus a signed acknowledgement in the tenancy agreement confirming receipt of each document by name, is the strongest simple evidence. Better still, use a system that timestamps delivery and stores the pack against the tenancy, so that two years later you can produce it in seconds rather than searching an inbox. That single habit resolves most possession and deposit disputes before they start.

Frequently asked questions

Can I email the tenancy pack?

Yes, where the tenant has agreed to electronic documents. Keep the sent email, the attachments and the acknowledgement.

What happens if I forget the government guide?

In England it affects the validity of certain possession notices, so serve it as soon as you realise and keep the proof.

Do I reissue the pack when a certificate is renewed?

Send the renewed certificate to the tenant. The gas safety record in particular must be given within twenty eight days of each new check.

Plain-English UK compliance changes, Renters' Rights Act 2025 updates and new guides — no spam, unsubscribe any time.

This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.