Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet

What is the Information Sheet?

It's a four-page government PDF that tells tenants how the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changed their existing tenancy. It covers the end of fixed terms, rent increases by Form 4A notice, how a tenancy can end now that Section 21 has gone, the tenant's right to ask for a pet, and what changes for student lets.

It replaced the How to Rent guide, which was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 when the Act's changes to tenancies took effect.

Who has to give it?

Private landlords in England with a written tenancy that started before 1 May 2026 had to give it, whether they manage the property themselves or use a letting agent.

One exception to the 31 May deadline: if you'd served a valid Section 21 or Section 8 notice before 1 May, that tenancy stayed an assured shorthold tenancy while the notice was valid. You then have one month to give the sheet, counted from the day the notice stops being valid or the court case ends without a possession order.

It doesn't apply to lodgers, social housing or homes outside England.

When do you have to give it?

• Written tenancies that started before 1 May 2026: the Information Sheet, to every named tenant, by 31 May 2026
• Tenancies that started before 1 May 2026 with nothing in writing: a written statement of terms by 31 May 2026, instead of the Information Sheet
• New tenancies from 1 May 2026: a written statement of terms before the tenancy is entered into

Where to get it

You can post a printed copy, hand it over, or attach the PDF to an email or text message. A link doesn't count, even one to the GOV.UK copy.

What happens if you don't give it?

The council can issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000. If the failure carries on more than 28 days after a penalty, or happens again within 5 years, it becomes an offence, and the council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty of up to £40,000 instead.

Not giving it doesn't stop a court making a possession order.

Why you need proof you gave it

If a council or your tenant ever questions it, a record made at the time answers it: the email with the PDF attached, or a note of when you posted it or handed it over.

A signed acknowledgement or an online confirmation from your tenant helps too.