Government publishes Renters’ Rights Act information sheet with £7,000 fine warning

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.”