Why Keep a Communication Log?
A contemporaneous record of all communications with your tenant is one of the most valuable documents you can maintain. In any dispute — deposit deductions, disrepair claims, possession proceedings — a clear log of what was said, when, and by whom can be decisive. Start a new log for each tenancy.
Property and Tenancy Details
- Property address: [Address]
- Tenant name(s): [Names]
- Tenancy start date: [Date]
- Log started: [Date]
Communication Log Entries
Record every significant communication — phone calls, emails, text messages, letters, and in-person conversations. Include the date, method, summary, and any action agreed or taken.
Entry Format
- Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Time: [HH:MM]
- Method: [Phone / Email / Text / Letter / In person]
- Initiated by: [Landlord / Tenant / Agent]
- Subject: [Brief description, e.g., Repair request — boiler, Rent arrears, Inspection notice]
- Summary: [What was discussed or communicated]
- Action agreed: [What was agreed, by whom, and by when]
- Follow-up required: [Yes / No — if yes, date and action]
- Evidence reference: [Email ref / Letter ref / Recording ref, if applicable]
Sample Entries
Entry 1
- Date: [Date]
- Method: Email
- Initiated by: Tenant
- Subject: Repair request — leaking tap in bathroom
- Summary: Tenant reported a dripping tap in the bathroom. Stated it had been dripping for approximately one week.
- Action agreed: Landlord to arrange plumber within 5 working days. Tenant to provide access.
- Evidence reference: Email from tenant dated [date], ref: [email subject line]
Entry 2
- Date: [Date]
- Method: Phone
- Initiated by: Landlord
- Subject: Rent arrears — [month] rent outstanding
- Summary: Called tenant to discuss outstanding rent. Tenant stated they were experiencing financial difficulties and would pay within 7 days.
- Action agreed: Tenant to pay outstanding rent by [date]. Landlord to follow up if not received.
- Evidence reference: Phone call log — [date, time, duration]
Repair and Maintenance Log
For repair requests, also record:
- Date repair reported by tenant
- Date landlord acknowledged the report
- Date contractor instructed
- Date repair completed
- Contractor name and invoice reference
- Tenant confirmation of completion (if obtained)
Inspection Record
Record all property inspections:
- Date of inspection notice given to tenant
- Date of inspection
- Inspector name
- Key findings
- Actions required
- Date tenant notified of findings
Legal Note: Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must respond to repair requests within a reasonable time. A communication log demonstrating prompt response to repair reports is strong evidence of compliance. Keep this log for at least 6 years after the tenancy ends.