Give existing tenants the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 (deadline 31 May 2026)

Assured or assured shorthold tenancies entered into before 1 May 2026 that are wholly or partly in writing (not lodgers, not social housing).

Give each tenant named on the tenancy agreement the exact PDF 'The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026' downloaded from GOV.UK, either as a printed copy (posted or handed over) or as a PDF attached to an email or text message. Sending a link is not valid. Accessible formats may be given in addition to, not instead of, the official PDF. Existing written tenancy agreements do not need to be reissued.

Deadline

By 31 May 2026

One month beginning with 1 May 2026 (RRA Sch 6 para 7(2)(b)). Where a valid section 8 or section 21 notice was served before 1 May 2026, GOV.UK says the sheet is due within one month of the notice ceasing to be valid or the court process ending without possession.

• Copy of the email/text with the PDF attached, or proof of posting or hand delivery, for each named tenant, dated on or before 31 May 2026

Civil penalty

Up to £7,000

Other consequences

Council financial penalty of up to £7,000 (HA 1988 s.16I as modified by RRA Sch 6 para 7(1)(b)); a further penalty if still not given 28 days after a penalty; continuing or repeat breaches can become an offence with a civil penalty of up to £40,000.

• Renters' Rights Act 2025, Schedule 6 para 7(1)-(4) (existing written tenancies: information in writing)legislation.gov.uk
• SI 2026/324, reg 3 (prescribes the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026)legislation.gov.uk
• Renters' Rights Act 2025, s.15 (inserts HA 1988 s.16I: financial penalties)legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

If a letting agent manages the property under a contract requiring compliance, the agent must also give the sheet (RRA Sch 6 para 7(3)). GOV.UK states the Information Sheet is only valid when downloaded from its publication page.

• Give the written statement of terms before a new tenancy is agreedIn force since 1 May 2026Fine up to £7,000

  For any assured tenancy created on or after 1 May 2026 you must give the tenant prescribed written information about the key terms before the tenancy is signed or agreed. It can be part of the written tenancy agreement.

• Oral tenancies from before 1 May 2026: written statement of terms due by 31 May 2026In force since 1 May 2026Fine up to £7,000

  If a tenancy that existed before 1 May 2026 had no written record of its terms, you had to give the tenant the written statement of key terms by 31 May 2026. If you missed it, the breach continues until you give it.

• How to Rent guide: no longer required from 1 May 2026No longer applies, ended 30 April 2026

  The How to Rent guide is withdrawn. Landlords no longer need to give it for tenancies under the new system; the old duty was tied to section 21, which has been abolished.