How right to rent checks work in 2026

A well-drafted tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant.

Here are five mistakes to avoid.

1. Not protecting the deposit - deposits must be protected in an approved scheme within 30 days; penalties are up to 3x the deposit.
2. Vague maintenance clauses - unclear responsibilities lead to disputes. Specify who handles what.
3. Skipping an inventory - without a detailed check-in inventory, damage claims are hard to enforce.
4. Wrong notice periods - the notice required depends on the tenancy type and grounds used.
5. Forgetting mandatory documents - How to Rent guide, EPC, gas safety certificate and deposit protection certificate must all be served.

Matriva generates compliant periodic tenancy agreements and tracks all mandatory documents for each property.