Tenancy / Rental Agreement

• Both landlord and tenant must sign the agreement before the tenancy begins — provide the tenant with their own signed copy.
• No solicitor or notarisation is required in most jurisdictions.
• In England, any deposit taken must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits or TDS) within 30 days — failure carries significant financial penalties.
• In England, landlords must provide a valid EPC (minimum rating E), current gas safety certificate, and the "How to Rent" guide before the tenancy starts.
• In England, landlords must carry out Right to Rent immigration checks on all adult tenants before move-in.
• The landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property (except genuine emergencies).
• Eviction must follow strict legal procedures — changing locks or removing belongings without a court order is illegal.
• Tenancy law differs significantly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — and varies greatly between countries.

This is public legal information, not legal advice. Rules vary by jurisdiction — always verify requirements in your country. For complex situations, consult a qualified solicitor.