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If you’re a landlord in England, there’s an important deadline coming up that you don’t want to miss.
Following the changes coming in under the Renters’ Rights Act, the government has now published the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. This is the document landlords need to give to tenants to explain how the new rules may affect their tenancy.
The government says you have until 31 May 2026 to provide it to all existing tenants named on a tenancy agreement. This is one of those admin jobs that might seem small, but it is worth taking seriously.
What is the new form?
You can find it here: The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
The document is called The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 and it’s a government-produced information sheet designed to help tenants understand the legal changes coming into force and what those changes could mean for them.
GOV.UK confirms that this replaces the previous requirement to provide the How to Rent guide in this context, and says landlords must give this new information sheet to tenants instead.
Who needs it?
According to the government guidance, landlords must give the information sheet to all tenants named on a tenancy agreement by 31 May 2026. GOV.UK also states that you can provide it either as a printed hard copy handed to the tenant or posted to them. This means it’s not something to assume can wait until renewal time or your next routine inspection. If you have existing tenants in place, it is worth checking now who is named on the tenancy and making sure each person receives it properly before the deadline.
Why does this matter?
The Renters’ Rights Act brings in major changes for private landlords in England. From 1 May 2026, assured shorthold tenancies will be abolished and existing assured shorthold tenancies will automatically become assured periodic tenancies. Section 21 no-fault evictions are also being removed, and rent increases will move to a more formal process using the new Form 4A.
Because these are significant changes, the government wants tenants to receive clear written information about what is changing. That is where this new information sheet comes in.
How should landlords serve it?
The safest approach is to provide it in a way you can evidence later if needed.
Government guidance says landlords can give the document by printing a hard copy and either posting it or giving it to the tenant by hand.
From a practical point of view, it is sensible to keep a clear record of when and how it was served. That could include a dated covering email if you also send a copy electronically for convenience, proof of posting if sent by post, or a written note confirming hand delivery. While the key requirement in the current guidance is that the tenants are given the document, good record-keeping may help protect you if there is ever a dispute later.
Our advice
If you’re a landlord, now’s the time to get organised or risk a hefty fine.
Download the new information sheet, check which tenants need to receive it, and make sure it is served well before 31 May 2026 and you have proof that you did it before the deadline. Leaving it until the last minute only increases the risk of something being missed.