How to Serve the Renters’ Rights Info Sheet 2026 to Tenants

Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect on 1 May 2026, and with it comes an immediate legal requirement for UK landlords.

If you have existing tenants with a tenancy agreement that was created before 1 May 2026, you must serve the official Renters' Rights Information Sheet to every named tenant by 31st May 2026.

Miss the deadline or serve it incorrectly and you could face a civil penalty of up to £7,000.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, how to stay compliant, and how to keep proper records.

What Is the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet?

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The Renters’ Rights Information Sheet is an official government document that explains how the new legislation affects tenants from May 2026.

It covers key changes including:

• The end of fixed-term tenancies
• The new process for rent increases
• The removal of Section 21 (“no-fault”) evictions

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Note that you do not need to serve it to lodgers, and if you have a tenancy based entirely on a verbal agreement, that was made before 1 May 2026, then you cannot give this Information Sheet. You must provide certain written information about key terms of the tenancy instead. You can find more guidance on GOV.UK by searching for ‘Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant’.

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What Landlords Need to Do (Step-by-Step)

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Landlords are expected to provide the Information Sheet to tenants to explain the changes under the Renters’ Rights Act. Government guidance indicates this should be provided to tenants as the new rules come into effect.

“..landlords and their agents must give to tenants.” - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

To comply with the law, you should follow these steps:

1. Download the Official PDF

You must use the exact version provided by the UK Government. No edits, no branding, no changes. 

2. Serve the Document As-Is

The document must be delivered exactly as published in the PDF format (not the link).

3. Deliver It Using an Approved Method

You can serve the Information Sheet in one of the following ways:

Option 1: Printed copy

• Post it or deliver it by hand

Option 2: Digital copy (PDF only)

• Send as an attachment via email or text message

Remeber - sending a link alone is not valid. It must be the actual PDF file.

4. Check Your Tenancy Agreement (our recommendation)

If your tenancy agreement does not allow electronic communication, you should opt to send a printed copy and obtain a dated certificate of posting.

5. Keep Proof of Service

While not explicitly required in the guidance, it’s strongly recommended you keep a record of how and when the information sheet was delivered in case of disputes or council enforcement.

• How the document was sent
• When it was sent
• Who it was sent to

This is critical if you ever need to prove compliance.

Why This Matters

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This isn’t just a formality.

UK landlords are facing increasing regulatory pressure, and missing compliance steps can lead directly to financial penalties - a key concern for landlords navigating new legislation.

Given how straightforward this requirement is, it’s one of the easiest risks to eliminate early.

Store Your Proof of Service (Best Practice)

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Once you’ve served the Information Sheet, store your documentation safely.

For example, you might upload:

• Certificate of posting
• Email confirmation
• Screenshot of sent message

Using a system like Landlord Studio’s document storage keeps everything:

• Organised
• Accessible
• Ready if you need to demonstrate compliance

Don’t forget to send it by the 31st of May! 

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If you’re a UK landlord, this is one of the first major compliance steps under the Renters’ Rights Act and it’s time-sensitive.

To stay compliant:

• Download the official PDF
• Serve it correctly
• Keep proof of delivery

Done properly, this is a quick task that removes a significant compliance risk.

Renters’ Rights Information Sheet FAQs

Do I have to serve the notice to all tenants?

Yes. Every existing tenant must receive the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.

If you have:

• Multiple properties
• Multiple tenants in one property

Each individual tenant must receive a copy.

Can I send a link to the PDF instead?

No. A link on its own does not meet the legal requirement.
You must send the PDF as an attachment or provide a printed copy.

Can my letting agent do this for me?

Yes - if your letting agent manages the property, they can serve it on your behalf.

However:

• Legal responsibility still sits with you as the landlord
• You should confirm it’s been done and keep a record

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Failing to serve the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 could result in:

• A civil penalty of up to £7,000

Given how simple the requirement is, this is an avoidable risk.

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