Landlords Take Note: New Information Sheet Deadline Could Cost You £7,000

In light of the profound changes affecting the residential letting market from 1 May 2026, the government has published an Information Sheet that landlords must provide to tenants by 31 May 2026, failing which they may face a fine of up to £7,000.

The requirement applies where the tenancy:

• Is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
• Was created before 1 May 2026, and
• Is wholly or partly recorded in writing, including a written tenancy agreement.

Letting agents who manage a property must also provide the Information Sheet, even if the landlord has already done so. It does not apply to lodgers.

A copy must be given to each named tenant on the tenancy agreement.  The Information Sheet is only valid if downloaded from the official source and must be provided as the exact PDF.  It can be supplied:

• As a printed hard copy (posted or hand‑delivered), or
• As an attachment by email or text message.

Sending a link alone is not sufficient.

The guidance confirms that landlords are not required to amend or re‑issue existing written tenancy agreements.

Where a tenancy was created entirely verbally before 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet must not be provided.  Instead, landlords must give tenants certain prescribed written information about the key terms of the tenancy.  Further guidance is available on GOV.UK by searching “Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant”.

The Information Sheet explains how the Renters’ Rights Act may affect existing tenancies, including:

• Changes to possession grounds and possession procedures
• New rent increase rules
• Tenants’ rights to remain in a tenancy and applicable notice periods
• The right to request a pet
• Specific information for student tenants, including Ground 4A possession notices

Click here to read Noel's previous blog summarising the changes.