A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant setting out the terms under which a property is rented. It covers key information such as rent, responsibilities, bills, deposits and how the tenancy can be ended.
Whether you are preparing to let a property or getting ready to move into a new home, it is worth knowing what your agreement covers and what it means for you. Here, we explain what a tenancy agreement is, why it matters, the different types you may come across and what should be included. This guide relates to private renting in England.
What does a tenancy agreement cover?
A tenancy agreement gives both parties certain rights and responsibilities, including the tenant’s right to live in the property and the landlord’s right to receive rent.
Although tenancy agreements can be verbal, most private landlords and letting agents now need to provide key tenancy information in writing before a new assured tenancy is agreed. This can be included within the tenancy agreement or provided separately. It should cover important details such as the landlord and tenant, property address, rent, bills, deposit and how the tenancy can be ended. Where a tenancy starts or ends part-way through a month, it can also be useful to understand how to calculate pro rata rent.
If you are renting through Aspire To Move, our tenants page explains more about what to expect throughout the renting process, or, Citizens Advice provides further guidance on understanding tenancy agreements in England.
Do tenancy agreements have to be in writing?
Not necessarily. A tenancy agreement can still be made verbally, but for new assured tenancies in England created on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with certain information about the tenancy in writing before it is agreed. This information can be included within a written tenancy agreement or provided separately.
For tenancies agreed verbally before 1 May 2026, landlords were required to provide the relevant written information by 31 May 2026.
Why are tenancy agreements important?
A clear tenancy agreement helps make sure everyone understands their responsibilities from the beginning. For tenants, it records important information including rental payments, and the terms of the tenancy. For landlords, it clearly sets out what has been agreed and can help prevent misunderstandings later.
However, a tenancy agreement cannot take away rights that either a landlord or tenant has by law. If a term conflicts with the law, putting it in the agreement does not automatically make it enforceable.
Our lettings agent services can support landlords with tenancy agreements, essential documents and the wider letting process.
Is a tenancy agreement legally binding?
Yes. A tenancy agreement is a contract, and the terms agreed between the landlord and tenant can create legally binding rights and responsibilities. Both parties should therefore read the agreement carefully and make sure they understand it before agreeing to the tenancy.
There are limits to what an agreement can require. Citizens Advice explains that tenancy terms cannot give tenants fewer than their statutory rights. If you are unsure about a particular clause or believe a term may be unfair or unlawful, it is sensible to take appropriate advice before agreeing to it. Landlords can also find more information on the Aspire To Move landlords page.
What are the main types of tenancy agreement in England?
The type of tenancy agreement you have affects your rights and how the tenancy can be ended. Following changes introduced on 1 May 2026, most private renters in England now have assured periodic tenancies, which run on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date.
Other arrangements can still apply in particular circumstances, including:
- excluded tenancies or licences, such as where someone lives with their landlord;
- regulated tenancies, which generally relate to older tenancies; and
- other tenancy types where a property or arrangement falls outside the assured tenancy rules.
You may still see the term assured shorthold tenancy, or AST, in older documents and online information. Most existing ASTs automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026. GOV.UK explains the main tenancy types, while the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 covers changes affecting existing tenants.
You can also read Aspire To Move’s guide to the renters’ reform changes for more information.
Can you cancel a tenancy agreement?
Yes and no. Signing a tenancy agreement and then changing your mind does not necessarily mean you can simply cancel it. If your plans change before you move in, contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible to discuss your options and confirm any agreement reached in writing.
For most private assured periodic tenancies, tenants can end the tenancy by giving notice or agreeing an end date with their landlord. If no shorter notice period has been agreed in writing, the usual requirement is two months’ notice. Shelter provides detailed guidance on how to end your tenancy correctly.
Tenancy agreement templates: what should it include?
There is no single tenancy agreement template that is right for every property or situation. Landlords should be particularly careful about using older templates designed for assured shorthold tenancies before the 2026 changes.
For new assured tenancies, the written agreement or accompanying written statement should cover key information including:
- landlord and tenant details
- the property address
- when the tenancy starts
- the rent and payment arrangements
- any bills payable to the landlord
- deposit information
- how the tenancy can be ended
- relevant rights and responsibilities
The government’s guidance on written tenancy information explains what landlords must provide, with the detailed requirements set out in the Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) Regulations 2026.
Tenancy Agreements at Aspire To Move
Getting the agreement right from the beginning gives both landlord and tenant a clearer understanding of the tenancy. If you would like support preparing the correct paperwork and managing the wider letting process, Aspire To Move can help with a service tailored to your property and requirements.
Contact us today, and leave the hard work to us.
