On 1 May 2026, most of the provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will come into force. Our previous article outlined some of the key dates, the first of which is the deadline on 31 May 2026 for providing a government “Information Sheet” and written statement of terms to tenants.
Government Information Sheet
For existing tenants, whose tenancies are in writing and were entered into before 1 May 2026, landlords must provide them with the Government’s Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. This information sheet explains how the new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 may affect their current tenancy. The official PDF information sheet has now been published by the Government, ensuring everyone receives the same information, and can be downloaded from the Government website here: Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
The document sets out in plain terms the new rules on possessions and notice periods, the abolition of the fixed term, rent increases, termination of the tenancy by either party, the right to keep a pet, and student lets.
Who needs to serve the “Information Sheet”?
The obligation to serve the information sheet applies to private landlords with existing tenancies where the tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. The information sheet should be served on every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
If a letting agent manages a property on behalf of a private landlord, then the agent must also provide the Information Sheet to tenants even if the landlord has also provided it.
How to serve it?
The exact pdf found on the Government website should be sent to tenants by printing a hard copy and posting it or delivering it by hand. Sending the pdf electronically as an attachment by email is an option if the terms of the tenancy agreement permit service upon the tenant by email, however emailing a link to the PDF or the Government website to the tenant will not be valid.
It is important for landlords (and agents) to obtain evidence of service of the information sheet upon the tenants. A tenant can be asked to sign for receipt of the information sheet but proof of delivery via post or hand delivery should be retained as evidence in absence of the tenant acknowledging receipt. Given the potential difficulties with evidencing delivery of an emails, landlords should opt for post or hand delivery where possible.
Written statement of terms
From 1 May 2026, for new tenancies, landlords will be required to give tenants certain written information regarding the key terms of their tenancy, such as the landlord’s name and address, rent amount/due date, deposit amount, repair responsibilities and what bills the tenants must pay.
The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026 set out what information must be included within the written statement of terms.
What about existing tenancies?
Landlords (and agents) do not need to serve a written statement of terms on tenants with existing tenancy agreement if there is a written record of the tenancy agreement (either wholly or partially in writing) and the existing tenancy agreement was entered into before 1 May 2026.
Where a landlord has any existing verbal tenancy agreements, the landlord will need to serve a written statement of terms or provide a written tenancy agreement on the tenants by 31 May 2026.
Consequences of failure to comply
Failure by a landlord to provide the Information Sheet (or written statement of terms where required) by the 31 May 2026 deadline could result in a fine of up to £7,000 (rising to £40,000 for repeated non-compliance or if the breach is not remedied in 28 days).
Student HMOs
Where a landlord currently lets to full-time students on an HMO basis, under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the landlord will have the option to rely on Ground 4A to recover possession of the property. In order to be able to rely on Ground 4A, the landlord must serve on the student tenants a written statement that the tenancy is one to which Ground 4A applies and such notice must be given by 31 May 2026 along with the information sheet.
What should landlords do now?
- Identify whether the requirement to serve the information sheet or a written statement of terms applies to your tenancies.
- Use only the prescribed form of the information sheet, without amendment or adaptation.
- Check you have up to date contact details for your tenants.
- Where letting agents are involved ensure that they also comply with their service obligations.
- Check service requirements carefully and ensure the notice is served on all named tenants using a permitted method.
- Serve early, allowing time to correct any issues before the 31 May 2026 deadline.
- Take advice at the outset if there is any uncertainty.
If you would like advice on how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affects your properties or tenancy arrangements, or assistance with compliance, Birketts can help.
Key Contacts
The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at April 2026.