The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 – Trap?
The government website with the recently released Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026 says:-
“The Information Sheet is only valid when downloaded from this page.
You must give the exact PDF found at the top of this page.
You must provide this to the tenants by either:
- printing a hard copy, which is posted or given to the tenants by hand
- sending the PDF electronically as an attachment, for example, to an email or text message
You must not email or text a link to the PDF to the tenant, as this will not be valid.”
I fear a trap; how exact is exact?
The published PDF is A4 size in Colour and therefore:
1 Do we have to produce the document in colour?
2 Can we print (either colour or Black and White) double-sided A4?
3 Can we print as an A5 booklet (my preferred option) on a single sheet of paper?
Is any kind of difference in the copy a trap for Landlords to fall into?
David
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Examining Shelter’s statistical framing
Member Since January 2018 - Comments: 19
10:41 AM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Hi David
It does make you wonder, considering all the traps judges have set when applying for possession using S21, if there may be something similar to trip us up with the Info Sheet too.
However, if you used the email method, that should be safe. My only concern is that you need to have received permission from the tenant to explicitly use email for sending documents. If it’s not included in the AST, then they need to sign a separate doc to give their permission. This was one of the trip wires used with S21.
Member Since April 2023 - Comments: 4
12:01 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Another trap appears to be that you must send the notice to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement not just the lead tenant.
Member Since January 2018 - Comments: 19
12:08 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Tim Tanner at 24/03/2026 – 12:01
And best obtain proof that it’s been received by EVERY individual tenant…..
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1450 - Articles: 1
12:09 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Pete Lightowler at 24/03/2026 – 10:41
The pdf can be printed and posted – much the best method and a proof of posting receipt obtained from the post office.
Print in colour single sided. What’s the problem?
Not all tenants have an email address or even access to the internet.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1450 - Articles: 1
12:10 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Tim Tanner at 24/03/2026 – 12:01
If the tenancy is “jointly and severally” then of course each tenant must receive their own copy – common contract law practice.
Member Since October 2016 - Comments: 18
12:42 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
I have requested both large print and high contrast versions under the disability adjustments, but so far heard nothing back.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1177
7:19 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Tim Tanner at 24/03/2026 – 12:01
There is no such legal concept as a “lead tenant”. Its a mechanism of convenience used by some deposit schemes, but it doesnt carry any real significance.
Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 204
7:27 PM, 24th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 24/03/2026 – 12:09
I kind of have this problem with 1 elderly couple. the wife has whatsapp and email the husband has neither and because of where I’m currently living it’s impossible to send a printed version to him I’ve sent 2 copies to the wife and she replied back that they have both received the copy and have read it. All I can do is hope that this will be acceptable should a problem arise. Long term happy tenants, so don’t think there will be a problem
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 65
12:52 PM, 25th March 2026, About 1 month ago
At £7k a mistake it’s cheaper to do what you need to do to get this done even if there is some duplication.
I’ve done some of mine by email, and those emails I don’t have for tenants I’ve requested them from them by WhatsApp. Any emails I don’t get I’ll send it recorded delivery so I have a signature and fallow it up with a text to get confirmation it’s received. The emails I do have I’m asking them to confirm receipt also, and any I don’t get I’ll send a recorded letter to anyway to cover me. As I’ve said, @£7k an issue anyone not doing this is being naive if they think it will not impact any future potential issues as judges see most of this very black and white unless your the tenant and get away with whatever you feel like!