Documents Your Landlord Must Provide
At a Glance
Before or at the start of your tenancy, your landlord or letting agent is legally required to provide certain documents and information. Some help you understand your rights, while others confirm the property is safe or that your tenancy complies with the law.
The exact documents required can vary depending on your circumstances, but failing to provide mandatory information may result in enforcement action against the landlord and, in some cases, affect their ability to rely on certain legal procedures. From 1 May 2026, landlords must also comply with new written information requirements introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Written Tenancy Information
Before your tenancy begins, your landlord must provide written information explaining your tenancy, your rights and important details about the agreement. This replaces the previous requirement to provide the How to Rent guide for new assured tenancies created under the Renters’ Rights Act.
This information is often included within the tenancy agreement itself, but it can also be provided as a separate document. Landlords who fail to provide this information can face financial penalties.
If you already had a written tenancy agreement before 1 May 2026, your landlord did not need to issue a brand-new agreement. Instead, they should have provided every named tenant with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is and gives it a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
The certificate also includes:
- An estimate of typical energy costs
- Recommendations for improving efficiency
- Information about insulation and heating
You should normally receive a copy before entering into the tenancy so you can make an informed decision about the property.
Gas Safety Certificate
If the property has any gas appliances, your landlord must arrange an annual gas safety inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
You should receive a copy of the latest Gas Safety Record before moving in, with updated certificates provided after each annual inspection.
The certificate confirms that gas appliances, pipework and flues have been inspected and are considered safe to use.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Most privately rented homes in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
The inspection checks the safety of the property’s fixed electrical installation, including wiring, sockets, fuse boards and lighting circuits.
An inspection is normally required at least every five years, or sooner if recommended by the electrician.
If remedial work is identified, your landlord is usually responsible for ensuring it is completed.
Deposit Protection Information
If you paid a tenancy deposit, your landlord must usually:
- Protect it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days.
- Provide you with the Prescribed Information within the same 30-day period.
The Prescribed Information explains:
- Which scheme is protecting your deposit.
- The amount protected.
- How your deposit will be returned.
- What happens if there’s a dispute.
If you haven’t received this information, it doesn’t necessarily mean your deposit wasn’t protected—but it could indicate that your landlord hasn’t complied with their legal obligations. This is covered in more detail in our Tenancy Deposits guide.
Other Documents You May Receive
Depending on your tenancy, your landlord may also provide:
- Inventory and check-in report
- HMO licence details
- Appliance instruction manuals
- Bin collection information
- Parking permits or fobs
- Keys, alarm codes or entry instructions
These aren’t required for every tenancy, but they can make moving in much easier.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that:
- Smoke alarms are installed on every storey of the property used as living accommodation.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are installed where required by law.
- The alarms are in working order at the start of your tenancy.
It’s good practice to test the alarms yourself when you move in and report any faults immediately.
What if I Haven't Received These Documents?
If you’ve not received an important document:
- Ask your landlord or letting agent in writing.
- Keep a copy of your request.
- Give them a reasonable opportunity to provide it.
- If they refuse or repeatedly ignore you, contact your local council or seek housing advice.
Not every missing document means your landlord has broken the law, but important safety documents should never simply be ignored.
If the missing document relates to deposit protection, you may also be entitled to compensation if your landlord failed to comply with the tenancy deposit legislation. Tenant Angels can carry out a free deposit protection check and explain your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my landlord have to give me a written tenancy agreement?
Not always, but from 1 May 2026 landlords must provide written information setting out the key terms of most new tenancies before they’re agreed. In practice, this is usually done through a written tenancy agreement.
What happened to the “How to Rent” guide?
For new tenancies created from 1 May 2026, the previous How to Rent guide has effectively been replaced by the new written tenancy information requirements introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. Existing tenants with written agreements should instead have received the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
Can I move in if I haven’t received all the documents?
You can, but it’s sensible to ask for any missing documents as soon as possible. Documents such as the Gas Safety Certificate, EICR and deposit information are there to protect your rights and safety.
What if my landlord refuses to provide them?
Keep your request in writing. If the documents are legally required and still aren’t provided, your local council may be able to investigate, and some failures can carry financial penalties for the landlord.
Key Takeaways
- Your landlord must provide certain documents and information before or during your tenancy.
- New tenancies from 1 May 2026 must be accompanied by written information explaining the key terms of the tenancy.
- Existing tenants with written agreements should have received the official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
- Always keep copies of important documents, including your tenancy agreement, safety certificates and deposit information.
- If you're missing deposit protection documents, you could have additional legal rights if your landlord failed to comply with the tenancy deposit rules.
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