Renters’ Rights Act: Tenant information sheet published

Posted on March 20, 2026 by - News

A new Government information sheet has now been published, which must be provided to tenants to outline the upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Who needs to act?

All private landlords with existing assured or assured shorthold tenancies created before 1st May this year, where there is a written record of the tenancy terms, must provide this information sheet to their tenants by 31st May.

Failure to comply may result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a single breach, rising to £40,000 for repeated offences if not rectified within 28 days.

Who must receive the information sheet?

The information sheet must be issued to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement where:

  • The tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy created before 1st May, and

  • There is a wholly or partly written record of the tenancy terms (including a tenancy agreement)

If a letting agent manages the property, they are also required to serve the information sheet, even if the landlord has already done so.

Please note:

  • This requirement does not apply to lodgers

How must the information sheet be served?

The document must be downloaded from the official Government page here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026

It must then be provided to tenants in one of the following formats only:

  • A printed copy, either posted or handed to the tenant

  • The exact PDF attached via email or text message

Important: Sending a link to the document alone is not compliant.

Do tenancy agreements need to be updated?

There is no requirement to amend or reissue existing written tenancy agreements.

However:

  • If the tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1st May, you must not use the information sheet

  • Instead, you are required to provide written details of the key tenancy terms

Further guidance can be found here:
👉 https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/wording-confirmed-new-tenancy-agreements

New tenancies from 1st May

For any new tenancies starting on or after 1st May, landlords must use the new Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) agreement.

This is available to download here:
👉 https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/renters-rights/creating-an-assured-periodic-tenancy

The Government is also expected to publish the final version of the written statement, and we will ensure all our agreements remain fully compliant.

What does the information sheet cover?

The document confirms previously announced changes, including:

  • New rules on possession and notice periods

  • The abolition of fixed-term tenancies

  • Updated rent increase procedures

  • The right for tenants to request a pet

  • Provisions affecting student lets

Additional updates

The Government has also introduced further secondary legislation, including:

  • Minor updates to tenancy forms

  • Clarification on student lets, including confirmation that Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is exempt from the assured tenancy system

  • Increased civil penalties, in line with earlier announcements

  • Technical exemptions for legal representatives

  • Additional consequential amendments to support implementation of the Act from 1st May

If you have any questions or require assistance issuing the information sheet, please contact our team and we will be happy to help ensure full compliance.