Landlords take note: The Information Sheet and Written Statement of Terms

The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026 were published on 20 March 2026. These regulations introduce new requirements for landlords to provide tenants with clear information about their tenancies and to help tenants better understand their rights and obligations.

The information that a landlord will need to provide to their tenant(s) will depend on whether the tenancy is already existing come 1 May 2026 or whether the tenancy will be entered into on or after 1 May 2026.

Existing tenancies

If you have a (partial or fully) written tenancy entered into before 1 May 2026, landlords must provide their tenant(s) with an Information Sheet. The Information Sheet explains how a tenancy will be affected by changes implemented by the RRA 2025. The Information Sheet must be in the prescribed form to be valid. This can be accessed at: The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 – GOV.UK. Landlords can start serving the Information Sheet on their existing tenants now and must make sure they have done so by no later than 31 May 2026. It is a good idea to keep a written record of service of the Information Sheet on each property. The Information Sheet must be served on each named tenant on the tenancy agreement.

What happens if a landlord misses the deadline?

Failure to serve the Information Sheet by the deadline may result in:

• A fine between £4,000 – £7,000
• If the breach continues for more than 28 days after the penalty is imposed, the offence becomes criminal, carrying:
  • a fine of up to £40,000, or
  • prosecution.

Where landlords have a letting agent, the agent must also serve the Information Sheet on the tenant(s).

How should the Information Sheet be served?

The government guidance states that acceptable methods of service (for the landlord or the letting agent) include:

• Posting a hard copy to the tenant(s)
• Hand delivery to the tenant(s)
• Sending a PDF copy electronically as an attachment to an email or text message (NB, a link to the Information Sheet is not sufficient to meet the statutory service requirements). Whilst service by email is approved in the government guidance (The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 – GOV.UK) the regulations are silent on service. Whether service by email is acceptable will also likely be governed by the terms of the tenancy agreement. Caution should be exercised and a hard copy of the document also sent, if possible.

The tenant is not obliged to confirm receipt, so it is crucial that landlords and their agents keep documentary evidence of service.

What is the correct approach for existing oral tenancies?

If part of an existing  tenancy agreement is written, an Information Sheet will be required. If an existing tenancy is entirely oral, the landlord should instead provide their tenant(s) with a Written Statement of Terms instead of an Information Sheet. The Written Statement of Terms in this instance must be served by 31 May 2026.

Tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026

For new assured periodic tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with a Written Statement of Terms. The purpose of this document is to clarify the key terms and rights and obligations of the landlord and tenant under the tenancy agreement. This document must be given to the tenant before the tenancy agreement is signed, and  tenants must be allowed adequate time to read it. The Written Statement of Terms can be a standalone document or annexed to a new tenancy agreement.

The Written Statement of Terms must include the following information:

• The name(s) of the landlord(s)
• The name(s) of the tenant(s)
• An address in England or Wales at which the tenant may serve notices on the landlord
• The address of the property subject to the tenancy
• The date on which the tenant becomes entitled to possession
• The rent payable and the dates on which it is due
• An explanation of the statutory mechanisms available for rent increases
• Details of any bills payable by the tenant to the landlord
• Details of any tenancy deposit
• Information explaining how the tenancy may be brought to an end by either party
• Clear explanations of the landlord’s obligations, including:
  • Ensuring the property is fit for human habitation
  • Repairing obligations
  • Electrical safety requirements
  • Gas safety requirements
  • Obligations to make reasonable improvements and adjustments
• A statement explaining the tenant’s statutory right to request consent to keep a pet

The landlord is not obliged to provide a Written Statement of Terms where:

• The landlord is a private registered provider of social housing, and the tenancy is a tenancy of social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008; or
• The tenancy is granted by implication following an implied surrender of a previous assured tenancy between the same parties, where the implied surrender and grant arise from an agreement to vary the terms of the earlier tenancy.

Conclusion

The new regulations impose new obligations, with strict deadlines and severe penalties for non-compliance. Landlords and their agents should review their tenancy documentation now and ensure compliant Written Statements of Terms or Information Sheets are prepared and served on their tenants in good time.

If you have any further questions relating to the new regulations or the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 on your tenancies, please do contact us. We would be more than happy to assist. Please also visit our Renters Rights Hub for up-to-date guidance.