## Government outlines essential information for Renters’ Rights Act tenancy agreements

The UK government has revealed the mandatory information landlords must include in new tenancy agreements under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1 May 2026. A draft Statutory Instrument detailing these requirements was published, with a final version expected in March 2026. While some minor changes may occur, the core information landlords must provide is unlikely to alter significantly.

This legislation aims to improve transparency and ensure tenants receive clear, consistent information about their tenancy terms. Landlords and letting agents will need to comply with these new standards or risk enforcement action, including fines.

## Key information landlords must include in new tenancy agreements

New tenancy agreements must contain a range of specific details, many of which are already common practice but now formalised under the Act. These include:

– The full names of the landlord(s) and all tenants
– A valid address in England or Wales where the landlord can be served notices
– The address of the rented property
– The date the tenant is entitled to possession
– The rent amount and payment schedule
– A statement that a Section 13 notice is required for rent increases
– Details of any bills included in the rent
– Any additional bills payable to the landlord, such as utilities
– The deposit amount, if applicable

New additions under the Renters’ Rights Act include:

– A statement confirming tenants may request permission to keep a pet, with landlords required not to unreasonably withhold consent, as per Section 16A of the Housing Act 1988
– The minimum notice period tenants must give to end the tenancy, typically two months
– Statements outlining the landlord’s obligations to ensure the property is fit for human habitation, referencing Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
– Confirmation of compliance with Electrical Safety Regulations
– If applicable, details of the landlord’s responsibilities under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations

## Implications for landlords and letting agents

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, emphasises the importance of compliance: “For new tenancies entered on or after 1 May 2026, tenants must be provided with the Written Statement of Terms and Information.” He adds that this requirement also applies to verbal agreements started before this date, which must be formalised with the necessary information before signing or agreeing the tenancy.

Douglas warns that failure to provide a compliant written statement could result in enforcement action and fines for landlords and agents. He notes that while the published list is currently a draft, the final version is expected soon and should be closely monitored.

## No need to replace existing tenancy agreements, but information sheet required

The government has clarified that landlords do not need to issue new tenancy agreements for existing written tenancies started before 1 May 2026. Instead, landlords must provide tenants with a government-issued ‘Information Sheet’ outlining the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.

This information sheet will be published in March 2026 and must be served to all tenants named on the tenancy agreement by 31 May 2026. It can be delivered electronically or in hard copy.

Douglas highlights the importance of including agent details in the documentation if an agent is involved and suggests the documents should allow space for the landlord’s unique identifier to align with the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database.

## NRLA urges landlords to avoid outdated tenancy agreements

A spokesperson for the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) stresses that landlords must not continue to use older, non-compliant tenancy agreements after 1 May 2026. They state: “The Renters’ Rights Act introduces important new requirements on what needs to be included in tenancy agreements from 1 May 2026 onwards.”

The NRLA spokesperson warns that failure to comply with these new rules increases the risk of fines. For existing tenancies already in writing, landlords are advised to provide the official government information sheet rather than drafting new contracts.

## What this means for UK landlords

Landlords and letting agents should begin reviewing their tenancy agreement templates to ensure they include all mandatory information ahead of the May 2026 deadline. For existing tenants, landlords must prepare to distribute the official information sheet promptly when it is published in March 2026.

Non-compliance risks enforcement action, so it is essential to stay informed of the final statutory instrument and government guidance. This legislation represents a significant step towards greater clarity and tenant protection in the private rented sector.

—

Suggested internal link anchors

– Renters’ Rights Act
– tenancy agreements
– landlord obligations
– Section 13 notice
– electrical safety regulations
– gas safety regulations
– tenant notice period
– deposit requirements
– Private Rented Sector Database
– National Residential Landlords Association
– Propertymark guidance
– enforcement action for landlords

—

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/