Written Information for New Tenants

They are two separate requirements under the Renters' Rights Bill. Written information must be given to NEW tenants at the start of a tenancy from May 1, 2026. The separate landlord information sheet (still unpublished by GOV.UK) must be given to EXISTING tenants within a later deadline. The written information covers tenancy-specific details like rent, deposit, and safety certificates. The information sheet will cover tenants' general rights under the new law.

You must provide the required written information to tenants at the start of any new tenancy from May 1, 2026. This applies to all new assured tenancies created on or after that date. You should provide it before or at the point of signing the tenancy agreement.

Failure to provide the required written information is a breach of the Renters' Rights Act. Local authorities can issue fines of up to £7,000 for non-compliance. It may also affect your ability to serve valid notices and could be used as evidence in any dispute.

No. The written information requirement applies to NEW tenancies created on or after May 1, 2026. For existing tenancies, a separate requirement — the landlord information sheet — will apply once GOV.UK publishes it. The two requirements are distinct.

You must confirm that you have a valid gas safety certificate (CP12), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You should provide copies of these to the tenant or confirm they are available on request.

Yes. The written information must include your policy on pets. Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet. You should state your pet policy clearly, including any conditions.

You must include information about the tenant's right to request disability adaptations to the property. Under the Renters' Rights Act, tenants have expanded rights to make reasonable adaptations, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse such requests.