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 April 2018 - Comments: 374
8:53 PM, 29th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Amethyst at 29/03/2026 – 18:26
“Silly” is not what comes to my mind. It is taking the “P*ss”.
* So if I am allergic to say dogs or have cynophobia I have to accept a tenant with a pet. Then I have to hunt around for a tradesman with no phobia, while water pours through the ceiling.What If I then get ill if I inspect the property or am forced not to inspect. Will the tenant pay the extra cost for the pet fumigation at the end of tenancy. What if subsequent tenants are allergic and get sick.
*What difference does it make if the doc is sent in colour.
Yes tenants really have to acknowledge receipt or if by post they need to sign for.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3249 - Articles: 81
5:59 AM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Amethyst at 29/03/2026 – 18:26
Very well said
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
10:12 AM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 20/03/2026 – 10:23
The document was released last week.
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
10:15 AM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Cathie at 20/03/2026 – 10:38
If you use an agent then you can instruct them to serve the document. I emailed all my tenants (i am an agent) the information sheet last week and they signed a document I devised to acknowledge that they had received it. Check with your agent to see if they have done this as they may think you will if they have not then instruct them to do so.
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
10:23 AM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 20/03/2026 – 10:23
The Document was available last week, I issued all my tenants (I am an agent) with the document along with a drafted document for them to sign to say they had received the information sheet. With regards to the notice period, if you have good tenants and advertise immediately you should be able to release the existing tenant early and re let. just get the existing tenant to complete a surrender of tenancy.
I agree it is not right that charging for this to be done, Landlords instruct agents to keep tenants and landlords up to date under the management agreement they should have. The reason they are charging is due to not being able to charge for renewing tenancies. (in my mind this is wrong)
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
1:15 PM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 20/03/2026 – 13:55
As soon as the tenant gives notice , commence advertising to get a quick turn around and offer your tenant(s) a surrender of tenancy this way they can leave early and the new tenant can commence their tenancy.
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
1:17 PM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Cathie at 20/03/2026 – 10:38
No if you have an agent instruct them to serve the tenant with the official notice, get them to draft a letter that the tenant signs to acknowledge they have received it. This can be by email therefore request a read or delivered receipt. Your agent should do this without charging as they manage your property and should come under the agreement.
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 44
1:27 PM, 30th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
I am an agent and provided all my tenants with the document last week, I also supplied my landlords with the government information sheet to allow them to know what the tenants rights are now the RRA is coming into force in May. I have had replied from all my tenants acknowledging they have received and read it. Should the Agent serve this to the tenants then the landlord does not need to send it again, however I would as precaution get confirmation from your agent.
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 197
3:27 PM, 9th April 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 20/03/2026 – 13:55
The Renter’s Right Information sheet under “If you want to end the tenancy”, that is if the tenants want to end the tenancy, it says:
You will need to give your landlord at least 2 months’ notice. You can agree a shorter notice period with the landlord in writing, as long as any other tenants named on the tenancy agreement also agree.
So it seems they may be able to get away with a shorter notice. It says atleast 2 months and then say shorter one is possible with agreement from the landlord.
There seems to be aninconsistency, still in favour of the tenants.
So if they give notice 3 days after the rent is paid, they may pay one more month rent and leave on the 2nd rent due date and landlord may have ot accept. If landlord dont agree to this then it may be take from the deposit or the court or give up.
Member Since April 2026 - Comments: 3
12:37 PM, 13th April 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Proof of delivery is the bit to get right. Emailing a link doesn’t meet the requirement – it needs to be attached. I’m doing email + attachment with read receipt, then a WhatsApp referencing it for the paper trail.
If you use an agent, get written confirmation from them before 31 May that it’s been sent for each tenancy – the fine sits with you, not them.