The Tenant Information Sheet: What Every Landlord Must Provide Under the Renters’ Rights Act
From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents will be required to provide tenants with specific written information about their tenancy under the Renters’ Rights Act. For new tenancies, landlords must provide a written statement outlining key terms before the tenancy is agreed.
However, many landlords are unaware that existing tenants must also receive a government-issued Tenant Information Sheet, explaining how the new legislation affects their tenancy.
This must be served no later than 31 May 2026.
Failure to comply may expose landlords and letting agents to civil penalties of up to £7,000 and could lead to complaints to the local authority.
Understanding the Tenant Information Sheet (Written Statement) Under the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces one of the most significant changes to the private rented sector in England for decades.
While much of the attention has focused on the abolition of Section 21, another key operational change for landlords is the requirement to provide clear written information to tenants about their tenancy and legal rights.
This requirement will take two forms:
1. A written statement of tenancy terms for new tenancies
2. A government-issued Tenant Information Sheet for existing tenants
Both are designed to improve transparency and understanding within the private rented sector.
What Is the Tenant Information Sheet?
The Tenant Information Sheet will be a standardised document produced by the UK Government explaining:
- How the new legislation affects tenants
- Changes to tenancy structures
- Tenant rights and protections
- Landlord obligations under housing law
The document will be published by the government in March 2026 and must be given to tenants before the end of May 2026.
It can be served either:
- Electronically, or
- In hard copy
Importantly, it must be issued to all tenants named on the tenancy agreement.
What Happens With Existing Tenancies?
This is where many landlords misunderstand the reforms.
If a tenancy already exists before 1 May 2026, the rules are different.
Where There Is a Written Tenancy Agreement
If the tenancy agreement was signed before 1 May 2026 and there is a written record, landlords:
- Do NOT need to issue a new tenancy agreement
- Do NOT need to provide the full written statement of terms
Instead, landlords must provide tenants with the government-issued Information Sheet explaining the legal changes.
This must be provided by 31 May 2026.
Where the Tenancy Was Agreed Verbally
If the tenancy has no written agreement at all, landlords must instead provide a written summary of the tenancy terms.
This written statement must include key information such as:
- The landlord’s name and contact address
- Rent amount and payment frequency
- Repair obligations
- Tenant and landlord responsibilities
This must also be provided no later than 31 May 2026.
What About New Tenancies After 1 May 2026?
For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with written information about the tenancy before the agreement is signed.
This information can be:
- Included within the tenancy agreement, or
- Provided in a separate written statement
The document will summarise key legal obligations including:
- Repair responsibilities under housing legislation
- Property fitness requirements
- Safety obligations
- Tenant rights within the new tenancy framework.
Why This Matters for Landlords
The government intends for the new written information requirements to create greater clarity and transparency in the private rented sector.
However, it also introduces another compliance step for landlords and letting agents.
Landlords who fail to provide the required documentation could face:
- Local authority enforcement action
- Financial penalties
- Complaints through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
Civil penalties for failing to provide required information may reach up to £7,000.
What Landlords and Agents Should Be Doing Now
Landlords and letting agents should already be preparing for the transition by:
- Reviewing tenancy onboarding processes
- Updating tenancy agreement templates
- Preparing systems to record evidence of document service
- Planning communications to existing tenants before May 2026
Crucially, landlords with existing tenants must ensure the government-issued information sheet is served before the 31 May 2026 deadline.
The Renters’ Rights Act is reshaping how tenancies are created and managed in England.
The Tenant Information Sheet may appear administrative, but it represents an important legal step in ensuring tenants understand how the new system works.
For landlords, the message is simple:
Prepare now, as the compliance requirements begin almost immediately once the legislation takes effect.
If you have concerns or wish to discuss any of the aspects of change, please feel free to contact us – Paulton office (01761) 412 300 or Wells office (01749) 672 678
