One of the actions that landlords need to take over the next few months is to provide their tenants with written Over the coming months, landlords are required to provide tenants with written statutory information regarding the Renters’ Rights Act. This must be issued before 31 May, following the recent publication of the official guidance.
We have been monitoring the release closely, as it was expected in March, and are pleased to confirm that it has now been made available here.
The purpose of this information sheet is to clearly outline the legislative changes and what they mean for tenants. While this introduces additional administrative responsibilities for landlords and managing agents, the document itself provides a useful and comprehensive overview of the new requirements.
The four-page document covers key updates, including the abolition of Section 21, the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), revised Section 13 rent increase procedures, as well as changes relating to notices and pet ownership.
Based on current observations, there is a strong likelihood that a number of self-managing landlords may fail to serve this document correctly, potentially exposing themselves to fines of up to £7,000.
It is therefore essential that the document is served in full compliance with the requirements:
Who must receive the document
The information sheet is not required for lodgers. However, it must be provided to every individual named on the tenancy agreement. It is also important to note that only the official PDF version is valid.
Approved methods of service
The document can be served in the following ways:
- A printed copy, either delivered by hand or sent by post
- An electronic version sent as a PDF attachment via email or text message
Sending a link to the document is not compliant and will invalidate service. We recommend either serving the document in person or using an e-signature platform to ensure there is a clear audit trail confirming receipt.
Verbal tenancies
In cases where a verbal tenancy is in place, the standard information sheet cannot be used. Instead, landlords must provide specific written details outlining the key terms of the tenancy, as set out in the official guidance.
For many landlords, this represents a critical point in the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, where compliance becomes operational. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor enforcement activity over the next 12–24 months, particularly in relation to penalties issued for non-compliance. Ensuring the correct processes are followed now will significantly reduce the risk of future fines.
