This is a new duty being added to the Housing Act 1988 to require landlords and any contractors responsible for compliance with this section, such as letting agents, to provide a written statement to the tenant setting out basic information about the tenancy and both parties’ responsibilities. The intention in mandating written statements is to help avoid and resolve disputes, and provide evidence if disputes go to court. Landlords who include "prior notice" possession grounds will warn tenants that they may be evicted under specified circumstances.
Part 1: Tenancy reform Chapter 1: Assured Tenancies Section 12: Duty of landlord and contractor to give statement of terms etc Background