As part of reforms ushered in by the Renters’ Rights Act, the government has published an Information Sheet which landlords must supply to their tenants by 31 May 2026. With failure to comply carrying hefty penalties, now is the time to take action.
Contributor: Amy Evans
What do the changes mean for you?
Landlords must serve the new Information Sheet on all tenants who have a written assured shorthold tenancy which was signed before 1 May 2026 (even if the tenant does not move in until on or after 1 May 2026). Each named tenant will need to receive their own copy.
You can serve the Information Sheet can in digital or in paper form, but you must take care to ensure that you supply the official government document.
However, if you intend to supply the document digitally, you must attach it to any electronic communication rather than as a link. If supplying physically, the document must be printed in full and posted to the tenant. In either scenario, you should not add any branding or make any changes to the document.
The deadline for you to provide the information sheet is 31 May 2026 – with failure to comply carrying a fine of up to £7,000.
Other factors to consider before 1 May 2026
- If you are planning terminate an assured shorthold tenancy using a Section 21 notice, you will need to take action sooner rather than later – as any notice served after 1 May 2026 will be unenforceable.
- After 1 May 2026, you will need to carry out your rent reviews in accordance with Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
- You will no longer be able to refuse to allow pets into a rental property without a good reason, and must respond to any requests for permission within 28 days.
- All new tenancies granted from 1 May 2026 will need to include a written statement of specific information mandated by the government.
- Tenants will be able to serve a minimum of two months’ notice to terminate their tenancy at any time.
Key takeaways
- Start serving the Information Sheet on tenants as soon as possible (retaining evidence of delivery such as electronic signature receipts or recorded delivery).
- Review your existing tenancy arrangements to ensure you are prepared for the upcoming changes.
Please be advised that this is an update which we think may be of general interest to our wider client base. The insights are not intended to be exhaustive or targeted at specific sectors as such, and whilst we naturally take every care in putting our articles together, they should not be considered a substitute for obtaining proper legal advice on key issues which your business may face.