Landlords in England should check whether they need to send tenants the new Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
From 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into effect. As part of this, private landlords and letting agents must provide tenants with the official government Information Sheet where it applies. The GOV.UK page states that the guidance is for private landlords and letting agents in England1.
The requirement applies to existing assured or assured shorthold tenancies created before 1 May 2026, where there is a written tenancy agreement or where the tenancy terms are wholly or partly recorded in writing1.
The Information Sheet explains how the new rules may affect tenants, including changes to fixed terms, rent increases, possession rules, Section 21 notices and requests to keep a pet1.
The deadline is 31 May 2026. Government guidance says that, for most tenancies that began before 1 May 2026, landlords will not need to change or re-issue existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, they must send tenants a copy of the government-produced Information Sheet, either digitally or on paper, by 31 May 20261.
The key point is that every named tenant must receive it. Where more than one tenant is named on the tenancy agreement, each named tenant should be given the Information Sheet.
Landlords should also make sure that it is sent in the correct format. The official Information Sheet is available on GOV.UK as a PDF. Landlords should provide the document itself, either as a hard copy or as a PDF attachment. They should not rely on simply sending tenants a link.
If the property is fully managed by a letting agent, landlords should check whether the agent is sending the Information Sheet on their behalf. GOV.UK guidance says landlords and agents must give tenants the required information, and the official Information Sheet page confirms that this is the document landlords and their agents must provide1.
The position is different where the tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1 May 2026. In that situation, landlords must provide certain written information about the tenancy terms rather than the Information Sheet. Government guidance says tenants can complain to the local council if the required written information is not provided, and the landlord could receive a fine of up to £7,0001.
For landlords, the practical action is simple.
Landlords should download the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 from GOV.UK, send it to every named tenant by 31 May 2026, and keep a record of when and how it was sent1.
As mortgage advisers, we cannot provide legal advice on landlord obligations. However, if the changing rental rules prompt you to review your buy-to-let mortgage, wider property plans or borrowing position, please get in touch.
This article is for information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Landlords should seek advice from a qualified legal, tax or lettings professional where required.
References:
- GOV.UK (2026). The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026 [Accessed 28 Apr. 2026].
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