Laws & Regulations
Do landlords need to send the Information Sheet?
Yes. From 31 May 2026, every private landlord in England must serve the prescribed Renters\' Rights Information Sheet on each existing assured tenant and on every new tenant at the start of the tenancy. The duty is created by the Renters\' Rights Act 2025 and the form of the Information Sheet is prescribed in regulations made under it.
The Information Sheet sets out the tenant\'s rights under the new regime — the abolition of Section 21, the new Section 8 grounds, deposit protection, decent homes standard, the right to request a pet, and the route to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. It must be served in writing (post or email is fine) and the landlord should keep a record of service. Failure to serve is a civil offence carrying a fine of up to £7,000, and a landlord cannot rely on most Section 8 grounds for possession until the Information Sheet has been served. See the GOV.UK guidance.
What this means in practice
A landlord with three flats in Leeds emails the prescribed Information Sheet PDF to all three sitting tenants on 15 May 2026, saves the sent items, and adds a clause to the tenancy renewal pack so future tenants receive it on day one. A second landlord misses the 31 May deadline, then in August serves a Section 8 Ground 1A notice to recover one flat for sale. The court refuses possession because the Information Sheet was not served — the landlord must serve it, wait the prescribed cure period, then re-serve the Section 8 notice. Several months lost.
Related questions
Can the Information Sheet be sent by email?
Yes, provided the tenancy agreement permits service by email or the tenant has consented to electronic communication. Best practice is to use a dedicated email with the Information Sheet attached as a PDF, request a read receipt, and retain the sent record. For older tenancies without an email service clause, post a paper copy by signed-for delivery to the rental property — that is the safest route.
What if my tenant moves out before I serve the Information Sheet?
The duty to serve only applies to live tenancies on or after 31 May 2026. If a tenancy ends before that date, no Information Sheet is needed for that tenant. New tenants taking up an assured tenancy after 31 May must receive the Information Sheet at or before the tenancy start date. Letting agents acting for the landlord can serve on the landlord's behalf — most professional agents now build it into the tenancy onboarding pack.
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