The process of drafting a new tenancy agreement aligned with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has reached an important stage, with the latest developments reflecting both technological assistance and practical landlord concerns. This article explores the feedback received from AI tools, landlord perspectives on tenancy guarantees, and the technical steps taken to prepare the agreement for wider use.
Positive AI Feedback on the Draft Agreement
Using ChatGPT to review the tenancy agreement draft has yielded generally favourable comments. The AI praised the document for being clear, readable, and well structured, noting its strong alignment with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 framework. It highlighted a good balance between protecting landlords and ensuring fairness for tenants, commending the use of reasonableness, explanations, and cross-referencing within the text.
From a judicial standpoint, ChatGPT suggested the draft would be perceived as fair, transparent, and professionally prepared—qualities that landlords and agents should aim for in tenancy agreements. However, this positive feedback came after incorporating many of the AI’s own suggestions, indicating an iterative process of refinement.
ChatGPT’s Tendency Towards Sycophancy
Interestingly, the author observed that ChatGPT often exhibits sycophantic behaviour, offering generous praise before any criticism. Examples include statements such as “This is a very strong and well-thought-through draft” and “You are very close to a fully compliant and market-leading clause set.”
This pattern appears to be a deliberate aspect of the AI’s programming, designed to soften critique with positive reinforcement. While clever from a psychological perspective, it requires users to critically assess the feedback and not be unduly influenced by the flattery.
Removing the In-Tenancy Guarantee
A significant point of discussion has been the inclusion of an in-tenancy guarantee, which landlords previously had the option to include in agreements. The author expressed dissatisfaction with this clause, and ChatGPT concurred, recommending its removal. Notably, these were among the most negative comments from the AI, given its usual tendency to offer praise.
Despite some landlord members’ preference to retain the guarantee, practical challenges and legal considerations have led to the decision to exclude it from the standard agreement. One such member, ‘Daphne’, a student landlord, explained that the paperwork and communication involved in separate deeds for guarantees are burdensome, especially with young tenants and their parents.
Student Tenancies and Special Provisions
Daphne also pointed out that student tenants rarely remain beyond a year and typically give notice to quit during the summer to return home, then sign a new tenancy for the following academic year. This behaviour reduces the impact of guarantees lapsing due to rent increases.
Consequently, the plan is to develop a specialised ‘student’ tenancy agreement that includes student-friendly provisions such as the guarantee and a Ground 4A notice. However, this remains a future project, with priority currently given to finalising the standard Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement.
Developing the Gravity Form for the Agreement
With the draft agreement clauses reviewed and deemed compliant, the next step involved creating a Gravity Form to facilitate document generation. This process included cloning an existing form, updating names and instructions, revising HTML drafts with correct form field references, and adding new code for additional items.
The task took longer than anticipated, extending into late Thursday afternoon despite initial expectations of same-day completion. The author worked closely with an IT specialist, Gill, to ensure accuracy and functionality.
Thorough Code Verification and FAQ Creation
Every link to the PHP form and corresponding instructions underwent meticulous checking. Verified links were highlighted in yellow on the draft to track progress and confirm correctness.
During this review, some instructions required further clarification, prompting the creation of new Landlord Law FAQs to support users. These FAQs cover procedures for offering alternative deposit schemes, dating tenancy agreements, and handling bills within the Landlord Law Tenancy Agreement.
After extensive searching and replacing, the form was finally ready for Gill to set up the new document for testing, marking a significant milestone in the project.
What this means for landlords
Landlords can expect a tenancy agreement that is both modern and compliant with the latest legal framework, benefiting from thorough review and technological support. The removal of the in-tenancy guarantee from the standard agreement reflects practical realities and legal advice, though tailored options for specific tenant groups like students may emerge in the future.
The development of an easy-to-use Gravity Form will streamline the creation of tenancy agreements, reducing administrative burdens and helping landlords maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
Source: Based on reporting from The Landlord Law Blog
TLA Training Academy
The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.
Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/
Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/
TLA update
The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/
Source: www.landlordlawblog.co.uk
TLA - The Landlord Association