Free Tenancy Agreement Template for UK Landlords (with Membership)
Renting out property in the UK comes with serious legal obligations. One of the most essential documents you need is a tenancy agreement. It defines the legal relationship between landlord and tenant, outlines their rights and responsibilities, and helps reduce the risk of disputes.
For many landlords, especially those new to letting, preparing a tenancy agreement from scratch or paying for legal drafting can seem daunting or expensive.
That is why organisations such as the British Landlords Association (BLA) offer free, legally vetted tenancy agreement templates to their members.
In this article, we will explain why having a robust tenancy agreement matters, what a good one should include, and how you can access a professional template free with BLA membership.
Why Every Landlord Needs a Proper Tenancy Agreement
A tenancy agreement is more than just paperwork. It is a binding legal contract that defines the terms under which you let your property. Without one, you risk significant problems:
- Disagreements over rent, repairs, or deposits become harder to resolve.
- Eviction processes can be delayed or undermined in court.
- Tenant rights and landlord rights can become unclear.
- It becomes difficult to prove the terms you both agreed to.
A well-drafted tenancy agreement protects both parties. It provides tenants with security and clarity while giving landlords enforceable rights in the event of issues.
Common Types of Tenancy Agreements in the UK
Most landlords let private tenants use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). This is the standard form of residential Tenancy in England and Wales since 1997. It typically:
- It lasts for a fixed term (often 6 or 12 months).
- Allows the landlord to repossess the property after the term, provided proper notice is given.
- It is governed by the Housing Act 1988, with later amendments.
Other types of tenancy agreements include:
- Assured Tenancy (rare in private lettings, with stronger tenant rights).
- Non-Assured Tenancy (e.g. for very low rent or resident landlords).
- Excluded Tenancy or Licence (e.g. lodgers in your own home).
A good tenancy agreement template should be suitable for the most common situation (AST) and compliant with current law.
Key Clauses to Include in a Tenancy Agreement
A free tenancy agreement template from a reputable source like the BLA will cover essential clauses, such as:
- Names of landlord and tenant: Identifying the parties.
- Property details: Exact address of the let premises.
- Term of the Tenancy: Fixed start and end dates, or if it’s periodic.
- Rent and Payment Terms: What is the amount, when is it due, and what are the acceptable payment methods?
- Deposit: The amount taken, with confirmation that it will be protected in an authorised scheme.
- Landlord obligations: Repairs, safety certificates (gas, electrical), maintaining structure and exterior.
- Tenant obligations: Rent payment, maintaining the property, and not causing a nuisance.
- Notice periods: How and when each party can end the Tenancy.
- Utilities and Bills: Who Pays for What?
- Permitted use and occupants: Residential use only, limits on subletting.
- Right of entry: When and how the landlord can access the property.
It will also reflect key legal requirements, such as the need to provide a “How to Rent” guide, an EPC certificate, and details of deposit protection.
Legal Compliance in 2025: Why Updated Templates Matter
Landlord-tenant law in the UK is constantly evolving. Reforms are frequently introduced to enhance tenant rights, raise standards in the private rented sector, and clarify processes. For example, recent years have seen:
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) banning lets below EPC rating E.
- Changes to deposit caps and banning specific letting fees.
- Tighter rules on Section 21 “no-fault” evictions.
- Mandatory electrical safety checks.
Using an old or generic template found online can leave landlords exposed. It might miss legally required clauses or contain unenforceable terms. That’s why landlords should always use up-to-date agreements that reflect the latest legislation.
Organisations like the BLA monitor legal changes and update their tenancy agreement templates regularly to ensure members remain compliant.
Benefits of Using a BLA Free Tenancy Agreement Template
For BLA members, access to a free tenancy agreement template offers many advantages:
- Legally Vetted: Drafted with input from housing solicitors.
- Up-to-date: Regularly revised to comply with changing UK law.
- User-Friendly: Clear language, easy to fill in and customise.
- Cost-Saving: Avoids paying solicitors or online template sellers.
- Professionalism: Helps landlords appear organised and reliable.
- Risk Reduction: Minimises disputes and legal challenges.
- Added Resources: Members also get other templates (e.g. rent arrears notices, eviction notices) and guidance.
How to Access the Free Tenancy Agreement Template
Accessing the BLA’s free tenancy agreement template is simple for members:
- Join the British Landlords Association.
- Log in to the members’ portal.
- Download the latest tenancy agreement template and other documents.
Membership is designed to be cost-effective, even for small landlords, making it a valuable investment that pays for itself in terms of legal security and time saved.
Making Letting Simpler and Safer in 2025
Renting property in 2025 means navigating complex and evolving legislation. Landlords can no longer afford to rely on outdated, generic, or non-compliant tenancy agreements.
By using a professional template vetted by legal experts, landlords can protect their income, reduce the likelihood of disputes, and demonstrate their commitment to treating tenants fairly.
The BLA makes this easier by offering its members a free tenancy agreement template, plus other essential resources, advice, and support. For landlords who want to live their property professionally and with peace of mind, this is a straightforward decision
“Join the BLA to instantly access our free, legally-vetted tenancy agreement and other essential landlord templates.”
FAQs
What is a tenancy agreement?
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including rent, duration, deposit, repairs, and rules governing the property’s use.
Is a written tenancy agreement a legal requirement in the UK?
While there is no law strictly requiring a written tenancy agreement for an AST, it is strongly advised. Without one, it is much harder to prove what was agreed upon, enforce terms, or protect oneself in disputes.
What happens if I don’t use a tenancy agreement?
Without a written agreement, landlords may struggle to evict tenants, recover unpaid rent, or prove the terms of the Tenancy in court. It leaves both parties vulnerable to misunderstandings and disputes.
Can I write my tenancy agreement?
Yes, but you must ensure it is legally compliant. Many DIY agreements overlook crucial clauses or fail to meet legal requirements, which can result in fines or unenforceable terms. Using a vetted template reduces these risks.
What’s included in the BLA’s free tenancy agreement template?
The BLA template includes all standard clauses required for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, written in plain English and updated for current UK law. It covers rent, deposit protection, tenant obligations, landlord rights, and more.
Is the BLA tenancy agreement suitable for all landlords?
It is designed primarily for landlords letting residential property in England and Wales under an AST. Members should check its suitability for other tenancy types or consult the BLA for guidance.
How often is the BLA tenancy agreement updated?
The BLA monitors changes in landlord-tenant law and updates its templates as necessary to ensure compliance with the latest legislation.
How do I get the BLA tenancy agreement template?
Join the BLA, log in to the members’ portal, and download the template. Membership also grants access to other forms, legal guidance, and landlord resources.
Is the BLA tenancy agreement free to non-members?
No, the free tenancy agreement is a member benefit. However, the cost of joining is typically far less than paying a solicitor or buying templates separately.
Can I customise the BLA tenancy agreement?
Yes. The template is designed to be user-friendly, allowing landlords to fill in specific details, such as rent, tenant names, and property addresses while maintaining its legal framework.
By offering landlords a free tenancy agreement template as part of membership, the BLA helps make letting simpler, safer, and more professional in 2025 and beyond.
For landlords who want peace of mind and to avoid costly legal errors, joining and using these resources is one of the smartest moves they can make.
Note that the Renters Reform Bill will likely result in tenancy agreements being revised to incorporate the new legislation when it comes into effect.
The British Landlords Association is a national landlord association for UK landlords and one of the largest landlord associations in the UK. The BLA is the only commercial landlords association in the UK. Join us now for £79.95!
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