From May 2026, landlords will be under a new legal obligation to provide tenants with a Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet – a compliance requirement that goes beyond administration and could have real legal consequences if overlooked.
More broadly, the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet fits into a wider trend under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The direction of travel is towards greater regulation and increased accountability for landlords.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet?
The Renter’s Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet is a government issued document that landlords must provide to tenants outlining the upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. It illustrates a significant shift in how the sector is to be regulated.
The Renter’s Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet is designed to ensure tenants understand their rights from the outset of a tenancy. It sets out what has changed under the new regime, what landlords are required to do and how the tenancy system now operates.
When should landlords provide the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet to tenants?
The requirement to provide the Information Sheet to tenants comes into force in May 2026. For new tenancies entered into from 1st May 2026, the Information Sheet must be provided at the start of the tenancy. For existing tenancies, landlords have until 31 May 2026 to ensure it has been served on the tenant.
This is not merely an administrative requirement that can be ignored or overlooked, failure to comply may result in financial penalties and could also become relevant if an unrelated dispute later arises between landlord and tenant.
In addition, a failure to provide the Information Sheet could become relevant in possession proceedings or wider disputes, particularly where a landlord is required to demonstrate compliance with statutory obligations.
Key changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Section 21, Tenancies and Possession
The Renter’s Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet summarises the key reforms introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. One of the most significant changes is the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords must now rely on specific statutory grounds if they want to recover possession.
The tenancy structure is also changing, with fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies being phased out in favour of periodic agreements, giving tenants more flexibility to leave with notice while reducing the certainty of fixed end dates for landlords.
For more details on the overall Renters’ Rights Act 2025 read our blog here: ralli.co.uk/what-do-landlords-need-to-do-for-the-upcoming-changes-to-the-renters-rights-act
New rules on rent increases and tenant rights to challenge rent levels
Rent increases are also being brought under tighter control. In most cases, rent can only be increased once a year and tenants are given clearer routes to challenge increases they believe are above market level.
Tenants will also have the right to request the landlord’s permission to keep a pet, and landlords will not be able to refuse without reasonable grounds. These changes illustrate a move towards a more regulated rental framework, with less scope for informal arrangements.
The Information Sheet clearly indicates that landlords are no longer just expected to comply with the law, they are expected to demonstrate that tenants have been informed about it.
There is also a practical consequence that is worth noting. It is well known to landlords that informed tenants behave differently to those who are not. Informed tenants are more likely to question rent increases, challenge eviction attempts and raise issues about the condition of a property. That does not necessarily mean more disputes, but it does mean fewer situations where tenants accept decisions without any scrutiny.
What do landlords and managing agents need to do to comply with the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet requirements?
For landlords and managing agents, the logical approach is to treat this as part of a wider compliance update rather than a standalone task. It is not simply a matter of adjusting procedures moving forward, as existing tenancies also need to be reviewed to ensure the document is served prior to the deadline of 31st May 2026.
Landlords and managing agents should take a proactive approach to ensure compliance with the new requirements. In practical terms, this includes:
- Updating processes now for new tenancies from 1st May 2026 onwards
- Reviewing all existing tenancies to ensure the Information Sheet is served before 31st May 2026
- Keeping clear records to evidence that the Information Sheet has been provided
- Seeking advice where there is any uncertainty, particularly where possession or disputes may arise.
Do I need to use a solicitor for the Renters’ Right Act Information Sheet?
Whilst there is no strict requirement to instruct a solicitor, landlords and managing agents should be aware that this is more than a simple administrative step.
The obligation forms part of a wider compliance framework, and any failure to meet those requirements could have implications, particularly if possession is later sought or a dispute arises.
Many landlords will be able to incorporate the Information Sheet into their existing processes. However, where there are more complex arrangements or any uncertainty, taking early advice can help avoid issues further down the line.
At Ralli Solicitors LLP, our Dispute Resolution team advises landlords and managing agents on compliance, tenancy disputes and possession strategy. If you are a landlord trying to make sense of these changes, get in touch with us for expert advice on what the new regime means for you.
You can call us on 0161 832 6131 or email thomas.melville@ralli.co.uk or ciaran.oneill@ralli.co.uk.
