Information for tenants
Oral tenancies from before 1 May 2026: written statement of terms due by 31 May 2026
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.
- Status
- In force since 1 May 2026
- Penalty
- Civil penalty up to £7,000
Who it applies to
Assured (including former assured shorthold) tenancies entered into before 1 May 2026 that are wholly oral, with no written record of terms.
What you must do
Give every tenant the written statement of terms prescribed by SI 2026/324 (same content as for new tenancies). Do not give the Information Sheet instead: it is not valid for wholly oral tenancies.
- Deadline
By 31 May 2026
One month beginning with the 1 May 2026 commencement date (RRA Sch 6 para 7(5)). The deadline has passed; give the statement immediately if not done.
Evidence to keep
- Copy of the written statement and proof of delivery to each tenant dated on or before 31 May 2026
If you do not comply
- Civil penalty
- Up to £7,000
- Other consequences
- Council financial penalty of up to £7,000; further penalties and escalation to the £40,000 offence tier if the failure continues (HA 1988 ss.16I-16K).
The law
- Renters' Rights Act 2025, Schedule 6 para 7(5) (existing wholly oral tenancies)legislation.gov.uk
- Renters' Rights Act 2025, s.12 (inserts Housing Act 1988 s.16D)legislation.gov.uk
- SI 2026/324, reg 2 and Schedulelegislation.gov.uk
Official guidance
- Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenantgov.uk
- Get on top of the renting changes (MHCLG landlord campaign page)housinghub.campaign.gov.uk
Notes
New condition key has_written_tenancy_terms: true if any written record of the tenancy terms existed before 1 May 2026 (a written agreement, or terms recorded by email or text).
Other information for tenants rules
3 rules- 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.
- Give existing tenants the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 (deadline 31 May 2026)In force since 1 May 2026Fine up to £7,000
For tenancies that started before 1 May 2026 with a written agreement, you had to give every named tenant the government's official Information Sheet PDF 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.