The UK government has outlined the mandatory information landlords must include in new tenancy agreements under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act, effective from 1 May 2026. These requirements aim to enhance transparency and protect tenant rights while providing clear guidance for landlords and letting agents.

Key information to include in new tenancy agreements

From 1 May 2026, landlords creating new tenancy agreements must provide specific details to tenants. This includes the landlord’s name (or the name of the landlord if a letting agent or property manager is acting on their behalf) and the names of any joint landlords. Additionally, a postal address in England or Wales must be provided where tenants can send legal notices, such as a notice to end the tenancy. This address need not be the landlord’s home address but must be a valid location for receiving post, such as a business address.

While landlords are not required to provide an email address or phone number, they may choose to do so to facilitate tenant communication, particularly for reporting repairs. If landlords wish to include the contact details of a letting agent or property manager, they must first obtain permission from that agent or manager.

Essential tenancy details

Landlords must also include the full names of all tenants, including joint tenants, and the address of the rented property. The tenancy start date—the day the tenant is first entitled to possession—must be clearly stated, alongside the rent amount and payment schedule. Furthermore, tenancy agreements must contain a statement regarding rent increases, specifying that any proposal to raise the rent will be served in accordance with Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.

Clarifying bills and payments

If the rent includes bills, landlords must specify which bills are covered, though they are not obliged to disclose how much of the rent covers these costs. Should tenants be required to make separate payments for bills, landlords must explain what bills these payments cover, the amounts due (or how and when tenants will be informed), and the payment schedule.

This information is only required for certain bills: council tax; utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage; TV licences; communications services including telephone and internet; and energy efficiency improvements under a green deal plan. Landlords are not required to detail bills that tenants must arrange or pay directly to suppliers.

Deposit and notice requirements

Where a tenancy deposit is taken or intended, the amount must be included in the tenancy agreement. The government emphasises that landlords must provide tenants with specific deposit information within 30 days of receipt, including details of the government-approved deposit protection scheme used. This information may be provided separately from the tenancy agreement if preferred.

Landlords must also state the minimum notice period tenants must give to end the tenancy and provide information about the landlord’s rights to end a tenancy, such as obtaining a possession order. An important exception applies where the Secretary of State has issued written notice that an occupier is disqualified from residing in the property due to immigration status; in such cases, landlords should serve a notice under relevant immigration legislation instead of seeking a possession order.

Tenant rights and landlord obligations

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a tenant’s right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. A statement confirming this right must be included in new tenancy agreements. Additionally, landlords must confirm their obligation to ensure the property is fit for human habitation and outline their responsibilities under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

The government has clarified that even verbal tenancy agreements, including those that began before 1 May 2026, require landlords to provide this information to tenants.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should prepare to update their tenancy agreements to comply with the new requirements from 1 May 2026. While existing tenancies signed before this date do not require these details to be included in the agreement, landlords must provide tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet to avoid fines of up to £7,000.

Obtaining permission before including letting agent contact details and clearly outlining rent, bills, and deposit information will help landlords meet their legal obligations and foster clearer communication with tenants. The new rules also reinforce the importance of transparency regarding tenant rights, such as pet ownership, and landlord responsibilities for property standards.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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