The Tenant Information Sheet

For existing tenancies (those that started before 1 May 2026), you must provide a government-published Tenant Information Sheet to every named tenant and guarantor by 31 May 2026. This is a simpler requirement than the Written Statement of Terms — but the penalty for non-compliance is the same: up to £7,000.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 creates two separate documentation requirements depending on when the tenancy started:

• New tenancies (from 1 May 2026): Require a Written Statement of Terms (see our Written Statement tip)
• Existing tenancies (before 1 May 2026): Require the Tenant Information Sheet

The Tenant Information Sheet is a government-published document — you do not write it yourself. It will be published online in March 2026 and will summarise:

• Tenant rights under the new regime (periodic tenancies, notice periods, pet requests, etc.)
• Landlord obligations (repairs, safety, deposit protection, etc.)
• How to access the PRS Ombudsman
• How to challenge rent increases
• Key information about the changes taking effect from 1 May 2026

Who receives it:

• Every named tenant on the tenancy agreement
• Every guarantor on the tenancy agreement
• Each person must receive their own copy

How to provide it:

• The sheet can be provided electronically (email, tenant portal) or as a hard copy
• You must keep evidence of delivery

• One-off requirement: Unlike the Written Statement (needed for every new tenancy), the Information Sheet is a one-off exercise for existing tenancies. Do it once, correctly, and you're compliant.
• Tight deadline: The government will publish the sheet in March 2026, and you must distribute it by 31 May 2026. That gives you roughly two months to get it to every tenant and guarantor.
• Know your tenants: You need an up-to-date list of every named tenant and guarantor across your portfolio. If your records are incomplete, now is the time to fix them.
• Evidence of delivery: Keep proof that each person received the sheet. Email with read receipts, signed acknowledgement forms, or certified post all work. A simple "I sent it" is not sufficient evidence.
• Multiple tenants: For joint tenancies, each named tenant must receive their own copy. For HMOs with individual tenancy agreements, each tenant is a separate obligation.

• March 2026: Government publishes the Tenant Information Sheet online
• 1 May 2026: The requirement to provide the Information Sheet to existing tenants comes into force
• 31 May 2026: Deadline to provide the Information Sheet to all named tenants and guarantors
• Penalties: Up to £7,000 for failure to provide the sheet, up to £40,000 for serious or repeated breaches

Q: Do I write the Information Sheet myself?

A: No. The government will publish the sheet, and you simply distribute it. You must not alter or amend the content.

Q: What if a tenant moves in on 1 May 2026 — do they get the Information Sheet or the Written Statement?

A: A tenancy starting on 1 May 2026 is a new tenancy, so they receive the Written Statement of Terms. The Information Sheet is only for tenancies that started before this date.

Q: Can I email it?

A: Yes. Electronic delivery is acceptable. However, keep evidence — an email with the sheet attached, ideally with a read receipt or acknowledgement, provides good proof of delivery.

Q: What about guarantors?

A: Guarantors must also receive the Information Sheet. This is easily overlooked — make sure your records include guarantor contact details.

Q: What if a tenant has left before 31 May 2026?

A: If the tenancy has ended before the deadline, you do not need to provide the sheet. The requirement applies to tenancies that are still active.

• Compile a complete list of all current tenancies, named tenants, and guarantors
• Verify you have up-to-date contact details (email addresses) for every tenant and guarantor
• Set a reminder for March 2026 to download the Information Sheet when published
• Plan your distribution method (email is the most efficient for most landlords)
• Prepare a tracking system to record delivery and acknowledgement for each recipient
• Talk to your agent — they should handle distribution and record-keeping across your portfolio