Government reveals what must be included in Renters’ Rights Act tenancy agreements
3 months ago | 11 comments
Government publishes Renters’ Rights Act information sheet with £7,000 fine warning
10:05 AM, 20th March 2026, 1 month ago
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The government has published an information sheet on the Renters’ Rights Act, warning landlords that they could face a £7,000 fine if they fail to provide it to tenants by 31 May 2026.
The document outlines key changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and rules on rent increases.
The government explain a copy of the information sheet must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
£7,000 fine for failing to provide information sheet
According to the government, if a landlord uses a letting agent to manage the property, the agent is responsible for providing the information sheet to the tenant, even if the landlord has already done so.
Landlords are required to issue the information sheet where the tenancy:
- is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- was created before 1 May 2026
- has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement)
Landlords must provide the information sheet either by printing a hard copy (posted or given to tenants by hand) or by sending the PDF electronically as an attachment, for example via email or text message. The government warns that emailing or texting a link to the PDF is not valid.
The government has also confirmed that landlords are not required to change or reissue any existing written tenancy agreement.
If landlords do not provide the information sheet to tenants before 31 May 2026, they could face fines of up to £7,000.
The information sheet can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.
Information for student landlords
The government say that student landlords have until 31 May to formally write to their tenants to end the tenancy using Ground 4A of the new Renters’ Rights Act.
The government explain that, from 1 May 2026 to 30 July 2026, landlords can then give tenants two months’ notice to end the tenancy using Ground 4A.
After 30 July 2026, landlords will need to give at least four months’ notice.
Industry reaction to information sheet
The government say whilst tenants don’t have to do anything, they should read the information carefully.
Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is a major step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords, giving us greater security in our homes.
“Ahead of the new law coming into action, it’s vital renters take the time to understand what these new rights are and how to respond if landlords break the rules.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NLRA), said: “We welcome publication of the material needed to ensure landlords are fully prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act. It will provide vital assurance and clarity about what they need to do next.
“With just six weeks to go until the biggest changes to the rental sector in a generation, it is important that landlords work with their tenants now to ensure a seamless change to the new systems coming into force from 1st May.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said: “As we approach the implementation of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act this May, it is essential that all elements of the new legislation are communicated clearly, consistently, and at the appropriate time between letting agents, landlords, and tenants, in line with UK government expectations.
“With the publication of the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, letting agents across England will be required to ensure that all tenants named on a tenancy agreement receive this information, regardless of whether the landlord has provided it. Failure to provide each tenant with the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 could result in fines of up to £7,000.
“The Information Sheet must be provided either as a physical hard copy or electronically, such as via email. It is important to note that simply sharing a web link to the information sheet will not meet the required communication standards.
“Letting agents should also maintain comprehensive records of all communications to support any potential complaints or future audit requirements.”
Tags:
landlord fines, Renters' RIghts Act document, Renters' Rights Act information sheet, Renters’ Rights Act
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Member Since November 2022 - Comments: 120
10:04 AM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
It’s rather odd that the Information Sheet has been published when the relevant piece of secondary legislation implementing it is still in draft, and hasn’t been laid before Parliament. (The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement
of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026, if anyone cares to check).
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 62
10:07 AM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
Since when is a £7,000 fine an acceptable punishment for what is a simple administrative error? I am sure there are plenty of criminal offences which carry a lesser fine. Speeding, dangerous driving, peddling drugs, tax evasion? Are landlords going to get a criminal record for an admin error? The level of fine certainly warrants it. If this is the way this country is going it is time to get out. Treating decent, law abiding people on the same scale as criminals ought to be challenged in court as an abuse of human rights. People have the right to go about their daily business without living in fear of a Government that is out to get them, which this one clearly is. Britain is supposed to be a fair and tolerant society, but housing policy has been hijacked by zealots who have succeeded in creating this gross injustice.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
11:27 AM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Robin Wilson at 21/03/2026 – 10:07
100% totally agree with everything you say. A complete waste of time having any dialogue with this Labour government , charities, Gen Rent etc as they are not listening to reason or have a hidden agenda. The last legal action in 2016 about tax changes vs breach of human rights failed so I don’t think landlords would wish to go down that route again.
Not sure if Reform would sweep all this away as they will still be puppets, in fact we need a party who would restore this country to its past glory and the majority of the public are far too lame to go for that.
The UK is finished which is why so many are leaving.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
7:15 PM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 20/03/2026 – 13:55
Id be flexible. Ive only ever asked for 1 months notice. Why make their life difficult for the sake of moving the leaving date 1 month forward especially if they have been there long term tenants.
Member Since November 2022 - Comments: 120
7:34 PM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 21/03/2026 – 19:15
Under RRA you can agree a shorter notice period (within limits). RRA amends the Protection From Eviction Act 1976, which deals with notices to quit.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
7:54 PM, 21st March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Julesgflawyer at 21/03/2026 – 19:34
Thanks Julia, I noticed that the time frame could be reduced. I would have no problem doing this and never had. We normally have very long term tenants but agree that someones situation can change and they need to move on at short notice and have occasionally had tenants slip into arrears due to un expected circumstances, but we worked with them and arrears were repaid. , so always happy to go with 1 month. Why make their lives difficult and then making my life difficult by trying to claw back 1 months rent . Everyones situation is different, but for me It’s just not worth it.
Member Since July 2024 - Comments: 112
2:40 AM, 22nd March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Robin Wilson at 21/03/2026 – 10:07
Its the Nanny State again.. Where is the burden on tenants to know the Law? And changes to the laws. So much of what goes on in UK is simply graft and money making schemes. Ive lived in China..Hong Kong for over 40 years none of this graft goes on here. The fact that Brits don’t challenge all this nonsense never ceases to amaze Me.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
11:21 AM, 22nd March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Disgrunteld Landlady at 22/03/2026 – 02:40
Exactly. So for example should shops be fined because they do not hand you a document stating your legal rights after you buy a product. Doesn’t seem so, but landlords especially are being singled out and nobody challenges this even in print.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 4
12:09 PM, 22nd March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 21/03/2026 – 08:21
As you say – not right in the head. All the talk from Shelter and Generation Rent has been around how S21 causes homelessness. That in itself is unproven and this legislation which is effectively further villifying the private landlord will most certainly increase homelessness. The supply of reasonably priced properties to rent will reduce and as tenancies end due to relocation etc. they will not be renewed. Decent landlords have had enough. As there are only a tiny number of new social homes being built that sector will not be able to take up the slack(it is in any case seriously underfunded) and tenants without substantial means at their disposal will be out on the street. Good luck to them all. I only remain in as a landlord because I have one reliable elderly tenant who I do not want to evict. My other properties have already been sold.
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392
12:17 PM, 22nd March 2026, About 1 month ago
It’s one of the reasons why the country is how it is now, the people are soft and don’t stand up therefore they get bullied because they are easy pickings for the government. How many £7000 fines will get dished out before someone decides to oppose it… probably won’t happen because the people are soft and that applies to the NRLA and the likes of.