There's a new legal requirement that most landlords don't know about yet, and the deadline is just weeks away.
If you have an assured or assured shorthold tenancy that was created before 1 May 2026, you must give your tenants the official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Fail to do so and you could be fined up to £7,000.
What Is the Information Sheet?
The Information Sheet is a government-produced PDF that explains to tenants how their tenancy may be affected by the changes introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. It covers new protections around evictions, rent increases, and tenancy terms.
You don't need to write it yourself. The government has produced the exact document you need to provide.
Who Needs to Provide It?
You must give the Information Sheet if:
- The tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- It was created before 1 May 2026
- There is a written tenancy agreement (wholly or partly written)
A copy must go to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement. If you have a letting agent managing the property, they must also provide it, even if you already have.
You do not need to give it to lodgers.
How to Provide It
This is where landlords are likely to trip up. There are strict rules on delivery:
- Print and post it or hand it to the tenant in person, or
- Send the PDF as an email or text attachment
You cannot just email or text a link to the PDF. That is not valid.
The document must be the exact PDF downloaded from GOV.UK. You cannot modify it, summarise it, or use your own version.
Where to Download It
The official Information Sheet is available on GOV.UK. Search for "Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026" or go directly to the guidance page published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
What About Verbal Tenancies?
If your tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet rules don't apply. Instead, you must provide certain written information about key terms of the tenancy. Search GOV.UK for "Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant" for details.
The Fine Print
- Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Fine for non-compliance: Up to £7,000
- Applies to: England only
- You do not need to change or re-issue your tenancy agreement
Don't Let This One Slip
This is exactly the kind of requirement that catches landlords out. No one sends you a reminder. There's no grace period. If you manage your own properties, put it on your list this week: download the PDF, send it to every tenant, and keep a record that you did.
If you use Doorkeep, you can log the delivery as a compliance action against each property, so you have a timestamped record if anyone ever asks.
This article was published on 28 April 2026 based on guidance from GOV.UK. Legislation and guidance may change. Always check the latest version on GOV.UK.