Written statement of terms
The landlord's duty to give tenants their terms in writing.
2 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Landlords must give tenants a written statement of the core terms of the tenancy and the landlord's address for service of notices. Under the reformed regime this is a statutory duty backed by civil penalties, replacing the informal practice of verbal or scanned agreements.
Legal requirements
- The landlord's address for service must be provided under section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
- Failure to provide written terms can attract a civil penalty.
Practical guidance
- Issue the statement, the safety documents and the deposit paperwork as one dated pack.
This wiki entry 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.