What Is the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?
The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet is an official government document that all private landlords in England must provide to their tenants. It was introduced as part of the Renters' Rights Act 2026, which came into force on 1 May 2026.
The Information Sheet explains to tenants:
- Their new rights under the Renters' Rights Act 2026
- The abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions
- How rent increases now work (Section 13 process, once per year maximum)
- Their right to request a pet and how landlords must respond
- How to challenge unlawful landlord behaviour
- Their rights in relation to property conditions and Awaab's Law
- How to contact their local council if they believe their rights are being breached
The document is produced by the government and cannot be modified, shortened, or replaced with a landlord's own summary. You must use the official version.
Where to Download the Official Information Sheet
The official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet is available free from the UK government:
gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-information-sheet →
Always download the most current version before issuing, as government guidance can be updated. Check the publication date on the document you download.
Who Must Receive the Information Sheet?
The Information Sheet must be issued to every tenant in every private residential property you let in England under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (now periodic). This includes:
- Existing tenants — those whose tenancies pre-date 1 May 2026 and automatically converted to periodic tenancies
- New tenants — anyone who signs a new periodic tenancy from 1 May 2026 onwards
- Joint tenants — each named tenant on the tenancy agreement must receive their own copy, not just one per tenancy
- HMO tenants — every individual tenant in an HMO, regardless of whether they are on individual or joint tenancy agreements
Example: A 4-bedroom student house with 4 joint tenants requires 4 separate Information Sheets — one for each named tenant.
When Must It Be Issued?
| Situation | When to Issue |
|---|---|
| Existing tenants (pre-May 2026) | As soon as practicable after 1 May 2026. If not yet issued, issue immediately. |
| New tenants (from May 2026 onwards) | At or before the start of the tenancy — ideally when they sign or at key handover |
| New occupant joins existing tenancy | At or before the date they become a tenant |
How to Issue the Information Sheet
The Act does not specify a precise delivery method, but you must be able to prove you issued it if challenged by a tenant or local council. Recommended approaches:
Option 1: Physical copy (most secure)
- Print the official PDF
- Hand it to the tenant at key handover or when signing
- Ask the tenant to sign and date a receipt confirming they received it — keep a copy
Option 2: Email (accepted if agreed)
- Attach the official PDF to an email addressed to the tenant
- Include a brief note confirming this is the mandatory Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet
- Request a read receipt or ask the tenant to confirm receipt by reply
- Keep the sent email and any confirmation
Option 3: Through your letting agent
- If you use a fully managed letting agent, they should be issuing the Information Sheet on your behalf
- Confirm this in writing with your agent — you remain liable as the landlord if it is not issued, even if you have delegated day-to-day management
Proof of Issue — What to Keep
Always retain evidence that you issued the Information Sheet. In enforcement proceedings or a tenant complaint, you will need to demonstrate:
- The document was the current official version
- It was given to each named tenant (not just one per property)
- It was given at or before the start of the tenancy (for new lets) or promptly after 1 May 2026 (for existing tenants)
Good record-keeping using property management software makes this straightforward. Store signed receipts or email confirmations against each tenant record.
What Happens If You Don't Issue It?
Failing to issue the Information Sheet is a civil offence. Local councils can issue a civil penalty notice without going to court. The maximum penalty is £7,000 per breach.
In a portfolio context:
- 10 properties, 1 tenant each — maximum exposure: £70,000
- 5-bed HMO with 5 tenants — maximum exposure: £35,000
This is also one of the first items councils check when investigating landlord complaints. Issuing the Information Sheet costs nothing — the risk of not doing it is substantial.
Does It Need to Be Reissued?
The current requirement is to issue the Information Sheet once per tenant per tenancy. However:
- If a new version is published by the government with significantly updated content, best practice is to reissue it to all current tenants
- When a new tenant joins an existing household, they must receive the document at or before the start of their involvement in the tenancy
- There is no requirement to reissue annually to the same tenant on a continuing periodic tenancy — but keeping the record of original issue is important
Information Sheet Checklist — Action Steps
- ✅ Download the current official version from gov.uk
- ✅ Identify every tenant in every property you let in England
- ✅ Issue a copy to each individual tenant (not one per property)
- ✅ Obtain signed receipts or email confirmations
- ✅ Store evidence of issue against each tenant's record
- ✅ If using a letting agent — confirm in writing they are issuing it on your behalf
- ✅ When new tenants move in — issue before or at tenancy start
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?
It is a mandatory official government document that explains tenants' new rights under the Renters' Rights Act 2026, including the abolition of Section 21, rent increase restrictions, and the right to request pets. All private landlords in England must issue it to all tenants.
Where do I download the Information Sheet?
From the UK government at gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-information-sheet. Always use the official government version.
What is the fine for not issuing the Information Sheet?
Up to £7,000 per breach, enforced by local councils. For a 10-property portfolio the maximum exposure for this single item is £70,000.
Does it need to be issued to existing tenants?
Yes. It should have been issued to all existing tenants as soon as practicable after 1 May 2026. If you haven't done it yet, do so immediately.
Can the Information Sheet be issued by email?
Yes, email is generally accepted provided you retain evidence of sending and receipt. Ask the tenant to confirm receipt by reply. A physical signed receipt is the most secure approach.