New rules have been introduced whereby landlords letting properties as assured tenancies will need to provide to their existing and new tenants certain written information about the new Act and their tenancy.
If before 1 May 2026 landlords already had a written assured shorthold tenancy agreement, or a written record of their agreement, in place, they must give to their tenants the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026.
The Information Sheet explains how changes to the law might affect current tenancies. Failure to provide the Information Sheet before the deadline of 31 May 2026 can result in a fine of £7,000. It must be provided by either posting, or hand delivery of a printed copy, or by sending a digital copy as an attachment to an email or text.
If, before 1 May 2026, there was no written tenancy agreement in place between a landlord and their tenant, and the tenancy is based entirely on an oral agreement, landlords should not give their tenants the Information Sheet. They will though need to provide them with a Written Statement of Terms containing the key terms of the agreement, ensuring that both landlord and tenant have a written record of the terms of the tenancy. This Written Statement of Terms must also be served on the tenant by 31 May 2026.
Going forward from 1 May 2026, the Written Statement of Terms will need to be provided to tenants when a new assured tenancy is created, and it is anticipated that landlords will include the required information in their tenancy agreements, but it can be provided separately.
If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Stuart Merrison by email: swm@cooperburnett.com or telephone 01892 515022
This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon and CooperBurnett LLP does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.
