The Documents Landlords Must Give Tenants Under the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the way landlords need to manage rental properties in England.
For many landlords, the focus has been on the bigger changes, such as the end of fixed-term tenancies, new possession rules and changes to rent increases. But there is another important area that should not be missed: the documents and information tenants must receive.
Providing the right documents is not just admin. It helps tenants understand their rights, gives landlords a clearer record, and can reduce the risk of problems later.
If you are unsure whether your paperwork is up to date, this is an important place to start.
Why landlord documents matter more under the Renters’ Rights Act
Under the new rules, landlords need to be clear about what information has been provided, when it was provided, and who received it.
This matters because compliance is no longer just about knowing the rules. It is about being able to show that you have followed them.
If you are reviewing your paperwork, it is also worth taking a wider look at your Renters’ Rights Act compliance to make sure nothing else has been missed.
The key documents landlords need to provide
There are two main areas landlords need to understand under the Renters’ Rights Act: the official Information Sheet and written information about the tenancy.
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 is an official government document. It explains how the new rules affect tenants and what has changed under the Act.
Most landlords and letting agents needed to give this to tenants by 31 May 2026. It applies to most private rented tenancies where there is a written tenancy agreement or some written record of the terms.
This should not be replaced with your own summary. The requirement is to provide the official document, so tenants receive the correct information in the correct format.
If your property is managed by a letting agent, the agent may also have responsibilities around providing the Information Sheet. It is worth checking this has been done properly and recorded.
Written information about the tenancy
For new tenancies from 1 May 2026, landlords need to provide certain written information about the key terms of the tenancy.
This can be included in a tenancy agreement or provided separately. The important point is that the tenant receives clear written information before the tenancy is signed or otherwise agreed.
This information helps set out the basics of the arrangement, including things like the rent, payment dates, deposit details, responsibilities and other key terms.
Older tenancy templates may not reflect the new rules, especially now that fixed-term tenancies have been replaced by assured periodic tenancies.
Existing safety and tenancy documents
The Renters’ Rights Act does not remove the existing documents landlords already need to keep on top of.
Depending on the property and tenancy, this may include documents such as gas safety records, electrical safety reports, EPCs, deposit protection information and other required tenancy documents.
These are not all new under the Renters’ Rights Act, but they still form part of a well-managed, compliant let. If your paperwork is spread across old emails, folders or messages, now is a good time to bring everything together.
When do landlords need to provide these documents?
The timing depends on the type of tenancy.
New tenancies from 1 May 2026
For new tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026, landlords need to provide written information about the key terms before the tenancy is agreed.
That means paperwork should not be left until later. Tenants need the right information before they commit.
Existing written tenancies
If a tenant already had a written tenancy agreement before 1 May 2026, landlords generally did not need to issue a new agreement just because the law changed.
Instead, the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 needed to be provided.
This is an important distinction. Many landlords may not need a brand-new tenancy agreement, but they still need to make sure the correct tenant information was given.
Older verbal agreements
If a tenancy was based entirely on a verbal agreement before 1 May 2026, the Information Sheet is not enough.
In this situation, landlords need to provide written information about the key terms of the tenancy. This helps create a clear written record where one did not already exist.
How should the Information Sheet be given?
This is one of the easiest areas to get wrong.
The Information Sheet should be given as a printed copy or sent electronically as the official PDF attachment. Simply sending a link is not enough.
A copy should also be provided to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement where required.
That may sound like a small detail, but small details matter. If you cannot show that the right tenant received the right document in the right way, you may be exposed to unnecessary risk.
Keep proof that documents were provided
Providing the right document is only half the job. You should also keep proof.
A simple record can make a real difference. Keep a note of what was sent, when it was sent, how it was sent and who received it.
This might include:
- A copy of the email
- A copy of the document sent
- The date it was provided
- The delivery method
- A record for each named tenant
Good records do not need to be complicated. They just need to be clear and easy to find.
What happens if landlords get it wrong?
Missing or incorrect documents can lead to complaints, enforcement action and financial penalties.
The risk is not always a major mistake. It could be an old template, a missing Information Sheet, a document sent as a link instead of an attachment, or no proof that anything was provided at all.
Even small paperwork mistakes can have serious consequences, so it is worth understanding the fines landlords could face under the Renters’ Rights Act before an issue is raised.
Get your FREE Renters’ Rights Act Compliance Check
If you are not sure whether your tenants have received the right documents, now is the time to check.
Andrews can help you review your current paperwork, identify any gaps and understand what needs attention.
With the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, compliance does not need to feel overwhelming. Our lettings experts are here to help you get it right.
