Following on from Helen Thomas’ earlier update on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Government Information Sheet there have now been further developments under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Prescribed Forms (Effective 1 May 2026)
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 will abolish assured shorthold tenancies and end section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions in the private rented sector in England. These new forms for tenancy processes have been introduced as part of those changes.
The regulations (The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Prescribed Forms and Transitional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/354)) which come into force on 01 May 2026 prescribe the new forms, set out in the Schedule, which are to apply to any assured tenancy (except an assured tenancy in relation to social housing) as required by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The versions published are illustrative and should not be completed or sent to tenants or landlords. On 1 May 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will publish usable versions. We suggest landlords start considering the forms at an early stage to see what information will be needed on and after 1 May 2026.
Information Sheet Requirement (Deadline 31 May 2026)
Due to the Renters Rights Act 2025, a landlord (including personal representatives/executors) and their agents must give tenants who hold an assured or assured shorthold tenancy which was created before 1 May 2026 and has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement), a copy of an Information Sheet.
The Information Sheet must be given by 31 May 2026, or the landlord/agent/estate could be fined up to £7,000.
A copy must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement. The Information Sheet is only valid when downloaded from this page on the Government website. You must give the exact PDF found at the top of the page.
You must provide this to the tenants by either:
- printing a hard copy, which is posted or given to the tenants by hand
- sending the PDF electronically as an attachment, for example, to an email or text message
You must not email or text a link to the PDF to the tenant, as this will not be valid. The legislation does not require you to change or re-issue any existing written tenancy agreement.
If you have a tenancy based entirely on a verbal agreement, that was made before 1 May 2026, then you cannot give this Information Sheet. You must provide certain written information about key terms of the tenancy instead. The information is what is included within The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026. We can prepare a draft tenancy agreement based on these terms if needed.
If you require advice or assistance, you can speak with Helen Thomas, Nicola Hall or Tara Hawthorn in our Property Litigation team will be able to assist.