Residential Tenancy Heads of Terms

These Residential Tenancy Heads of Terms (England) provide a clear and structured framework for agreeing the principal terms of a tenancy between a landlord and tenant before entering into a  formal tenancy agreement.

The template has been updated to reflect the latest legislative changes, ensuring key compliance considerations are addressed at the outset. 

What the Heads of Terms Cover

The template captures essential details about the tenancy, including:

• The names and contact details of the landlord, tenant, guarantor (if applicable), and letting agent (where applicable);
• The property address and key property information;
• The agreed rent payable under the proposed tenancy;
• Details of any permitted occupiers, pet requests, and special conditions;
• Information on whether bills are included in the rent, with prompts to ensure transparency and compliance;
• Holding Deposit and Tenancy Deposit arrangements, including statutory limit requirements;
• Tenant Referencing, Identity checks and Right to Rent checks;
• Compliance documentation including EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Installation Condition Report, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm testing

The template includes practical prompts to help landlords (and letting agents) comply with current legal obligations. In particular, it reflects that:

• All new tenancies must be granted as periodic tenancies;
• Rent must be clearly stated as a fixed amount;
• No rent may be requested, accepted, or encouraged before the tenancy agreement has been entered into;
• Any holding deposit and tenancy deposit must comply with statutory caps and requirements;
• No prohibited payments may be charged under the Tenant Fees Act 2019;
• All material information must be disclosed in accordance with Consumer Protection legislation; and
• The property must comply with all applicable housing standard, including safety requirements, and where applicable, HMO licensing and management regulations.

Benefits of Using Heads of Terms

By setting out the main points at an early stage, Landlords and tenants can reduce the risk of delays and disputes later in the process and provide a clear brief for drafting the tenancy agreement. 

How To Use This Template

This Residential Tenancy Heads of Terms template is in open format.  Either enter the requisite details in the highlighted fields or adjust the wording to suit your purposes.

Once you have purchased access to the appropriate document folder click on the “Download Document” button below.  You will be asked what you want to do with the file.  It is recommended that you save the document to a location of your choice prior to viewing.

Residential Tenancy Heads of Terms is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.