The Government has now published the Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026, which explains how the new rules will operate and the steps landlords must take over the coming months.
Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 sets out the legislative changes brought about by the Act and explains how current tenancies may be affected.
Landlords who let property under existing assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in the private rented sector must provide their tenants with an unedited copy of the information sheet before 31 May 2026.
Who is responsible?
Landlords and letting agents both have responsibilities when it comes to the information sheet.
If you manage your own property, you must provide the information sheet to your tenants. If you have a letting agent managing the property on your behalf, they must also provide the information sheet, even if you have already done so.
Which tenancies are affected?
The information sheet must be given where tenancies:
• Are Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
• Were created before 1 May 2026
• Have a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement)
Who needs to receive it?
Every named tenant is entitled to an individual copy, and best practice suggests also giving a copy to all named guarantors.
How should it be served?
While all ASTs will become periodic shorthold tenancies from 1 May 2026, most tenancy agreements dictate how documents can be served. Landlords should be aware of the service provisions in the AST and should ensure their agent’s process for delivery are consistent.
If email service is permitted, sending the Information Sheet by Docusign is recommended.
If email is not expressly permitted, or if Section 196 of the Law of Property Act 1925 is the only method of permitted service, hand delivery may be the only compliant option.
In all cases, to avoid disputes, you should ask tenants them to confirm receipt in writing. Be sure to follow up if you don’t get a response.
If you can’t prove the sheet has been delivered, you leave yourself open to a challenge that you have not complied. Keep all receipts, emails and tracking information. If in doubt, deliver by hand.
What happens if you don’t comply?
Landlords have until 31 May 2026 to provide the information sheet, and compliance is mandatory.
Failure to do so will not only be a breach of duty – running the risk of a £7,000 fine from the local authority – it will also prevent a landlord being able to evict a tenant under the new regime after 1 May 2026.
Written statement of terms
The regulations also set out what needs to be included in the written information that landlords must provide when entering into a new tenancy from 1 May 2026 – or for any pre-1 May 2026 tenancy that is not in writing.
The “written statement of terms” is separate from the information sheet and is designed to ensure tenants have a clear summary of the key terms of their tenancy.
When it applies
You must provide a written statement of terms if:
• you create a new tenancy on or after 1 May 2026, or
• you have an existing pre 1 May tenancy that has no written terms
What it must include
The guidance sets out the minimum information that must be given, including (but not limited to):
• landlord’s name and address (and any joint landlords)
• names of all tenants
• property address
• rent amount, payment schedule and method
• deposit details (if applicable)
• tenancy start date
• any services or facilities included
Landlords can either incorporate this information within a tenancy agreement or provide it as a separate written document.
Full guidance on what must be included can be downloaded here: Written information that must be given to tenants: guidance for landlords and agents (GOV.UK)