RRA and the How To Rent booklet?

The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) in 2026 has brought significant changes to tenancy agreements and landlord obligations in the UK private rented sector. One notable update concerns the status of assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), which have largely transitioned to assured periodic tenancies (APTs) under the new legislation. This shift has raised questions among landlords and letting agents regarding the continued requirement to provide the “How to Rent” booklet or any equivalent tenant guidance documents.

Transition from Fixed-Term ASTs to Assured Periodic Tenancies

Prior to the RRA, most tenancies in the private rented sector were granted as fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies, typically lasting 12 months. Under these agreements, when a tenant left and was replaced by a new occupant, landlords commonly issued a new AST to the remaining and incoming tenants. However, the RRA has altered this framework by converting existing fixed-term ASTs into assured periodic tenancies once the initial term expires, unless a new fixed-term agreement is explicitly signed.

This change means that tenancies now automatically continue on a rolling basis, often monthly or weekly, without the need for a fresh tenancy agreement each time a tenant changes. For shared houses or student accommodations where tenants frequently rotate, this can simplify tenancy management but also requires landlords and agents to understand their ongoing responsibilities under periodic tenancy arrangements.

The Withdrawal of the “How to Rent” Booklet

Historically, landlords were required to provide tenants with the government-issued “How to Rent” booklet at the start of an AST. This guide offered essential information about tenant rights, responsibilities, and the rental process. However, following the implementation of the RRA, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) removed the booklet from its website, acknowledging that it no longer reflected the updated legal landscape.

In place of the booklet, MHCLG now offers more general guidance on assured periodic tenancies, but this does not include a direct replacement document that landlords must provide. This has led to some uncertainty about whether landlords still need to supply tenants with any formal written guidance akin to the former “How to Rent” booklet under the new tenancy regime.

Current Documentation Requirements for Landlords

Despite the changes to tenancy types and tenant guidance, landlords remain legally obligated to provide certain key safety and compliance documents to tenants. These include the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and Gas Safety Certificate where relevant. These documents ensure that rental properties meet minimum safety and energy efficiency standards and must be supplied at the start of a tenancy and, in some cases, renewed periodically.

However, there is no statutory requirement under the RRA for landlords to provide a “How to Rent” style booklet or any specific tenant information pack. While general advice and guidance remain available online, landlords should be aware that the absence of a mandated tenant guide does not diminish their broader duty to communicate tenancy terms clearly and to comply with all other legal obligations.

Implications for Tenancy Management and Tenant Communication

The shift to assured periodic tenancies under the RRA simplifies tenancy continuity but also places greater emphasis on effective communication between landlords, agents, and tenants. Since new fixed-term agreements are no longer automatically required when tenants change, landlords must ensure that all parties understand the terms of the ongoing periodic tenancy, including rent payment schedules, notice periods, and property rules.

Moreover, while the formal “How to Rent” booklet is no longer issued, landlords may find it beneficial to provide tenants with clear written guidance or a tenancy handbook tailored to their property. This can help set expectations, reduce disputes, and demonstrate good practice in tenant engagement. Such materials could cover topics like reporting repairs, safety information, and contact details for the landlord or managing agent.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should recognise that the RRA has changed the legal framework governing tenancy agreements, with most fixed-term ASTs now converting to assured periodic tenancies by default. This affects how tenancy renewals and tenant replacements are managed, potentially reducing the need for new tenancy agreements when tenants change.

While the government no longer requires the provision of the “How to Rent” booklet, landlords must continue to meet all other statutory obligations, including providing safety certificates and ensuring tenants are informed about their rights and responsibilities. Proactive communication and clear documentation remain essential to maintaining compliance and fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships.

What TLA members should consider

• Review existing tenancy agreements to understand which have converted to assured periodic tenancies under the RRA and update management processes accordingly.
• Ensure all mandatory safety certificates (EICR, EPC, Gas Safety) are up to date and provided to tenants at the start of their tenancy or when required.
• Develop or update tenant information packs or handbooks to replace the withdrawn “How to Rent” booklet, tailored to your properties and tenancy arrangements.
• Communicate clearly with tenants about the nature of their tenancy, especially when tenants change, to avoid confusion about terms and obligations.
• Keep abreast of any further MHCLG guidance or legislative updates relating to tenant information requirements and tenancy management under the RRA.
• Utilise resources and training available through the TLA Academy and legal support services to maintain compliance and best practice.

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association provides structured guidance, compliance education and practical support for landlords, letting agents and property professionals. Members can access training and resources designed to help them stay organised, informed and prepared.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access member support can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/get-started-with-the-landlord-association/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is continuing to expand its support, resources and partner network for landlords, tenants, agents and property professionals across the UK. Service providers interested in working with TLA can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/