With the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into effect on the 1st May, landlords are now legally required to get tenants up to speed. Here, we share what landlords must do by the end of May 2026 to ensure compliance.
The Government has published the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, which explains how tenants may be affected by the changes introduced in the Act.
Landlords are legally required to provide this document to their tenants by the 31st May 2026. Failure to do so could result in fines of £4,000 or more.
Sharing this sheet is mandatory, and there are specific rules for delivering it. Here, we share our step-by-step guide to getting this process right.
What does the Information Sheet include?
The Information Sheet explains to tenants how their tenancy will change from the 1st May, including details on:
- The shift to periodic or ‘rolling’ tenancies
- The end of Section 21 evictions
- New possession grounds and the notice periods landlords must follow
- Rent increase rules, including the once-per-year limit and the right to challenge increases
- The right to request a pet
- Ground 4A for student HMOs
- Where tenants can get support
As the Information Sheet explains all this in full, you don’t need to go through these changes yourself with your tenant. Your sole legal obligation is to deliver the sheet by the deadline.
Step-by-step guide to completing the process
- Visit the GOV.UK Information Sheet page here
- Download the PDFhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026
- List every tenant named on every tenancy agreement made before 1st May 2026
- Send the PDF as an attachment via email/text or print and post/hand-deliver to each named tenant
- If you use a letting agent, confirm they are sending the document on your behalf
- Save your proof of delivery either with sent emails, recorded delivery receipts, or signed acknowledgements from your tenants
Sharing the information with tenants – the rules to consider
The Government has established specific rules around delivering the Information Sheet. Getting this wrong means you have not legally complied, even if your tenant has access to the document.
- You must download the exact PDF from the GOV.UK page. The document is only valid when downloaded directly from the page, and no other version is allowed. You cannot recreate it, summarise it, or use a version from any third-party website.
- You cannot alter the document. It must be sent exactly as it is published, with no additions or cover letters attached that could be mistaken for the original document.
- You must send it as an attachment or a hard copy. You can print and post it, hand it in person, or send the PDF via email or text as an attachment. However, if you plan to send it electronically, a link to the PDF does not count as a valid delivery.
- You must send a copy to every named tenant. One copy per property does not count as a valid delivery. Every individual named on the tenancy agreement must receive their own copy.
Do all landlords have to share the Information Sheet?
All landlords must notify their tenants so long as the following criteria apply:
- The tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy
- The tenancy was created before 1st May 2026
- There is a written tenancy agreement in place
If you’re a social landlord letting out on a non-social tenancy, you may also be required to complete the process.
The one exception is if the tenancy is based on a verbal agreement made before the 1st May. In this case, you cannot use the sheet. Instead, you must provide a Written Statement of Terms covering the details of the tenancy. The deadline for this is the same: 31st May 2026.
What if I use a letting agent?
If a letting agent manages your property, the agent must also provide the Information Sheet to your tenant. This applies even if you have already sent it yourself, as it is a separate legal obligation on the agent.
If you use an agent, confirm they have sent it and request evidence of delivery.
Documenting your process
Whilst the Government guidance does not list out how to prove delivery, keeping a record that you have shared the sheet is essential. If a dispute arises, you will need to demonstrate compliance.
This could include:
- Keeping the original sent email or text
- Using recorded delivery when sending by post
- Getting a dated signature from your tenant when handing it over in person
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The starting point for fines is around £4,000, but local councils can issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000.
If non-compliance continues for more than 28 days after a penalty has been issued, this can escalate to a criminal offence with fines of up to £40,000 or prosecution.
Getting support for the Renters’ Rights Act
For more information on what’s included in the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, read our full blog here.
Visit our Renters’ Rights Act Hub here for all you need to know about the upcoming changes.
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