Home  /  Insights  /  Residential Property Services in London
Residential Property Services in London  

Why Tenants Should Have a Written Tenancy Agreement

Clear terms prevent most disputes.

Why Tenants Should Have a Written Tenancy Agreement Residential Property Services in London

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Renting · Agreements

Written tenancy agreements

Writtenterms
Rent& deposit
Repairswho does what
Readbefore signing
In short: A written tenancy agreement sets out the rent, deposit, who pays which bills, repairs, pets, and how the tenancy can end, which avoids most disputes. Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords in England must give tenants a written statement of the key terms of their periodic tenancy. Read it before signing, check the deposit will be protected, and keep copies of the agreement, inventory and any messages agreeing changes.

Frequently asked questions

Is a verbal tenancy valid?

Yes, but written terms are clearer and now required.

Can a landlord add unfair terms?

Unfair terms may not be enforceable.

Looking for a home to rent?

Talk to our team or get a free valuation.

Speak to our teamGet a free valuation

Related guides

Next step

You are one message away from an answer.

If you have a question

Send it to us and get a straight answer.

Describe the property and the problem. We will tell you what we would do, what it should cost, and if we are not the right people, who is.

  • Replies the same working day
  • The person who answers is the person who handles it
  • No fee, and no obligation to instruct us
If you are looking for a property

See everything we are instructed on.

Sales and lettings across Prime Central London and the wider UK, with the same team behind every listing.

  • Residential and commercial in one search
  • Filter by borough, budget and size
  • Register once and we will send matches first