Why Getting the Start Right Matters
The legal and practical consequences of a poorly started tenancy — and why the first 30 days set the tone for everything that follows.
Starting a tenancy correctly is not just good practice — it is a legal requirement. Landlords who fail to comply with their obligations at the start of a tenancy face financial penalties, restrictions on their ability to recover possession, and potential criminal liability.
The consequences of getting it wrong
A landlord who fails to protect the deposit within 30 days cannot serve a valid Section 8 notice on rent arrears grounds until the deposit is protected or returned. A landlord who fails to carry out Right to Rent checks faces a civil penalty of up to £20,000 per occupier. A landlord who fails to provide the Tenant Information Sheet (for new tenancies from 1 May 2026) may find their Section 8 notices challenged.
- Unprotected deposit: penalty of 1–3× the deposit amount
- Missing Right to Rent check: civil penalty up to £20,000 per occupier
- No Gas Safety Certificate: criminal offence
- No EICR: civil penalty up to £30,000
- Missing Tenant Information Sheet (new tenancies from 1 May 2026): affects ability to serve Section 8 notices
Under the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 no longer exists. Your only route to possession is Section 8. Any compliance failure at the start of a tenancy can directly affect your ability to recover possession later.
The professional landlord approach
Professional landlords treat the start of a tenancy as a process, not an event. They have a checklist, they follow it every time, and they keep records. This handbook gives you that process.
Create a tenancy start folder (physical or digital) for each property. Keep every document, certificate, photograph and signed form in one place. You will need them if a dispute arises.