The Government published the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
The Government has produced the sheet to explain to tenants how their tenancy may be affected by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (‘RRA 2025’).
Where an assured shorthold tenancy became an assured periodic tenancy on 1 May 2026, the landlord was required to give the tenant the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet?
The Information Sheet is a government-prescribed document that explains tenants’ key rights and responsibilities under the new tenancy regime.
It forms part of the wider reforms introduced by the RRA 2025 to improve transparency and standards in the private rented sector.
What needs to be done?
If you are a landlord and have a letting agent who manages the property on your behalf, the agent must provide the Information Sheet to the tenant, even if you, as the landlord, have also provided it.
You must give this Information Sheet if the tenancy:
- was created before 1 May 2026
- is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement)
The above must be done no later than 31 May 2026, or the landlord and/or their agent could be liable for a fine of up to £7,000.
How to serve the Information Sheet
Government guidance says you can:
- Print a hard copy and send by post (we recommend recorded post) or give it by hand. It is important to retain proof of delivery and take a time-stamped photo if delivering by hand
- Send the PDF itself electronically as an attachment, for example, to an email or text message
As a belts-and-braces approach, we recommend sending by post and also another way, for example, by hand delivery or by email.
Do not try to serve via email or text with just a link to the PDF Information Sheet, as this will not be valid and you will face a fine, it must be the actual PDF attachment.
This sheet is valid only when downloaded from the Government website’s linked page, so it is always important to send only the official document. You can access the Information Sheet here.
Verbal tenancies
If there is currently only a verbal agreement in place, agreed before 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet is not required. Instead, the landlord or their agent must provide certain written information about the terms of tenancy from 1 May 2026.
If a landlord does not do this, the tenant could complain to the local council, and the landlord could receive £7,000 fine.
See the list of information you will need to include, published on 20 March 2026, on the Government website.
If a landlord fails to provide the Information Sheet, can they still obtain possession?
The position is not straightforward. As the legislation is recent, there is currently limited judicial guidance on the consequences of non-compliance. Some guidance says a landlord may be prevented from recovering possession on certain grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, others say it will not affect possession. Each case therefore needs to be considered on its own facts and in any event, best practice would be to have ensured the Information Sheet was served before a notice ending the tenancy is served.
Could a landlord face penalties for failing to provide the Information Sheet?
Potentially. Government guidance states that the Information Sheet had to be provided by 31 May 2026. A breach may result in a fine of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for repeat breaches. Local authorities may impose these penalties.
What should landlords do now?
Landlords should ensure that the Information Sheet has been served as required and retain evidence of service, such as email delivery confirmations or postal records, in case a dispute arises. If it has not yet been served, they should do so as soon as possible.
Important note
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is one of the most significant reforms of the private rented sector in decades. As with any major legislative change, uncertainty is likely while the courts interpret the new provisions and transitional arrangements.
As the Act was introduced recently, there is little judicial guidance on many provisions. It may take several years for a substantial body of case law to develop, so some questions about the legislation’s interpretation and application may remain unresolved until considered by the courts.
Landlords and agents should therefore proceed cautiously. Pending greater judicial clarity, the safest approach is generally to comply strictly with the Act and any accompanying regulations.
The Government website allows you to sign up to receive an email alert when new guidance is published, which we recommend all landlords and agents do to ensure compliance.
This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend you seek legal advice before acting on any information given.
