For landlords · 6 min read
Digital tenancy agreements explained
A digital tenancy agreement is a standard tenancy contract prepared, reviewed and signed entirely online. Electronic signatures are legally valid for tenancy agreements in England and Wales — recognised under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and the UK eIDAS regulation, and confirmed by the Law Commission in 2019 — so a properly executed e-signed agreement is as binding as ink. The signing method changes; the landlord's legal obligations do not.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital tenancy agreement legally binding in the UK?
Yes. In England and Wales, tenancy agreements for terms under three years can be validly executed with electronic signatures. The Law Commission confirmed in 2019 that e-signatures can execute documents wherever a signature is required, provided there is intention to be bound.
Do both landlord and tenant need to sign electronically?
They don't have to use the same method, but a single digital flow where both parties e-sign the same document is cleaner: one version, two timestamped signatures, and an audit trail. On Hilltro the tenant signs first and the landlord countersigns to execute the agreement.
Can required tenancy documents be served by email?
Many tenancy documents can be served electronically where the applicable rules and the tenancy agreement allow it. Keep evidence of delivery for the written tenancy information, EPC, gas safety record, EICR and deposit prescribed information.