The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
- easternlandlords
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
What Landlords Must Do Before 31 May
With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026, landlords are now required to provide tenants with certain written information by 31 May 2026. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to £7,000, so it’s essential that landlords act quickly and keep proper records.
To support our members, the Eastern Landlords Association has reviewed the official government information sheet and produced a version with a signing box at the bottom. This allows landlords to obtain written confirmation from their tenants that the document has been served helping you protect yourself should any dispute ever arise.
What You Must Do
1. Serve the Information Sheet Before 31 May 2026
If the information sheet is not given to your tenant by the deadline, local authorities can issue penalties up to £7,000.This applies to all assured and assured shorthold tenancies in the private rented sector.
2. Get It Signed (If Possible)
The ELA version now includes a Landlord Signature and Tenant Signature box, along with a “Date Served” field.
We strongly advise:
Getting the tenant to sign the document on receipt
EVERYONE NAMED ON THE TENANCY MUST RECIEVE A COPY!
Keeping a copy for your records
Storing a scanned version digitally (OneDrive, email attachment, etc.)
This simple step provides clear proof that you complied with the law.
3. Email a Copy as Well
The ELA takes a “belt and brace” stance on compliance, we also recommend emailing the document to the tenant.
This gives you:
A timestamped records trail
this may need to be emailed separately to the couple i.e Husband and Wife
Additional proof the information was supplied
Protection in case a tenant refuses to sign the hard copy
How to Get Copies
The ELA has 2,500 printed copies arriving at the office next week. Members can obtain them in several ways:
Collect in Person – Free for Members
Visit the ELA office during normal opening hours and pick up as many copies as you need for your portfolio.
Have Them Posted – £3 (up to 10 copies, then £1 per 10)
We can send the document directly to you for a small postage and handling fee.
Collect at Upcoming Events
Printed copies will also be available at:
The Student Let Event (Norwich)
The London Property Investor Show
The Minors & Brady Landlord Event, where James will be speaking
This makes it easy for landlords attending any of our events to collect their forms at the same time.
Download Online
A digital version is available in the News section of our website and attached to this blog. Perfect for those who prefer to print at home or email the document directly to tenants.
Why This Matters
The 2026 reforms represent one of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades. Ensuring tenants receive the correct written information on time is not optional it’s a legal requirement.
Failing to serve the information sheet:
Risks enforcement action
Can weaken your position in future possession claims
May complicate compliance with other elements of the Renters' Rights Act
The ELA is here to support you through all of these changes, and we’ve made it as easy as possible to comply.
Need Advice?
If you have questions about the Information Sheet, or want guidance on how these changes affect your tenancy agreements, rent increases, or possession processes, our team is ready to help.
Contact our office, or speak to us at any of the upcoming events listed above.
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