What is changing for landlords in 2026?
From 1 May 2026, landlords will be required to provide tenants with specific written information about their tenancy under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
This includes either:
- Written tenancy terms, or
- The official Renters’ Rights Information Sheet 2026
The rules apply to both new and certain existing tenancies, with a key compliance deadline of 31 May 2026.
Failure to comply could result in financial penalties of up to £7,000, making it essential for landlords and agents to understand their obligations.
What landlords need to do (quick summary)
- Provide written tenancy information before the tenancy is agreed, or
- Provide the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet 2026 where required
- Ensure all existing tenancies are compliant by 31 May 2026
- Include all legally required tenancy details and statements
When must landlords comply?
From 1 May 2026, landlords must give all new tenants written information about the key terms of the tenancy before the parties sign or otherwise agree the tenancy.
This duty also applies to existing assured tenancies that are entirely verbal, with the information to be provided by 31 May 2026.
If there is already any written record of terms for an existing tenancy, landlords instead must give the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026.
Who do these rules apply to?
The requirement applies to:
- Private landlords
- Private Registered Providers
Where letting on assured tenancies.
Agents may provide the information on a landlord’s behalf.
What information must landlords provide to tenants?
Core tenancy particulars
Landlords must provide:
- Landlord’s name(s) and a postal address in England or Wales for service of legal notices
- Tenant’s name(s)
- The let property address
- The tenancy start date (first date the tenant is entitled to possession)
- The rent amount and when payment falls due
- A statement that any rent increase proposal will be served in accordance with section 13 of the Housing Act 1988
Bills and other payments
- If rent includes bills, landlords must specify which bills are covered
- If separate payments are required, landlords must explain:
- Which bills apply
- How much is due (or how this will be communicated)
- When payment is due (or how this will be communicated)
This duty applies only to:
- Council tax
- Utilities
- Water and sewage
- TV licence
- Communications services
- Green Deal improvements
Landlords cannot require payments for bills outside this list.
Deposit Information
Landlords must:
- State the deposit amount (if taken or to be taken)
- Confirm that prescribed deposit information will be provided within 30 days of receipt
Ending the tenancy
Tenant obligations
The tenant’s notice period must be stated and cannot exceed two months
If omitted, a default two-month notice period applies
Any later change must:
- Be under two months
- Be agreed in writing by all joint tenants
Landlord obligations
Landlords must explain that, in most cases, they can only end the tenancy by obtaining and enforcing a possession order.
If seeking possession, landlords will usually need to:
- Serve the correct prescribed notice
- Specify the ground(s) relied on
- Comply with the relevant minimum notice period
Prior notice for possession grounds
Some grounds require prior notice at the start of the tenancy.
Private landlords must give this for grounds 2ZA–2ZD[1], 4[2], 4A[3], 5–5H[4] and 18, and may provide it in any written form, including within the tenancy agreement.
Failure to give prior notice:
- May result in a fine of up to £7,000
- Prevents reliance on certain grounds (for example, ground 4A cannot be used at all without prior notice)
Fitness for human habitation and repairs
Landlords must explain that section 9A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires the property to be fit for human habitation where applicable.
They must also explain their section 11 duties, including:
- Keeping the structure and exterior in repair
- Maintaining installations for water, gas, electricity and sanitation
- Maintaining heating and hot water systems
Clauses attempting to exclude these obligations are void, unless:
- A county court has authorised a variation under section 12(2), or
- Repairing obligations have transferred to a Right to Manage company
Safety compliance statements
Electrical safety
Landlords must explain that Regulation 3 of the Electrical Safety Regulations 2020 requires:
- Compliance with electrical safety standards
- Inspection and testing at least every five years (or more frequently if required)
- Provision of the report to tenants
Gas safety
Where gas is installed, landlords must explain that Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 requires:
- Safe maintenance of gas fittings and flues
- Annual safety checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Provision of the safety record to tenants
Disability adaptations
Landlords must provide information about section 190 of the Equality Act 2010.
This includes confirming that:
- Consent must not be unreasonably withheld for disability-related improvements
- The request must relate to a disabled person occupying (or intending to occupy) the property as their main home
Tenants should also be directed to the statutory definitions of:
- “Disabled person” (section 6)
- “Improvement” (section 190(9))
Pets
Landlords must explain that tenants may keep a pet if:
- They request consent in line with section 16A of the Housing Act 1988, and
- The landlord provides consent
Consent must not be unreasonably refused.
Supported accomodation
If the tenancy relates to supported accommodation, landlords must:
- State this clearly
- Explain how the arrangement meets the statutory definition
This includes eligibility criteria and the nature of care, support or supervision provided.
What happens if landlords do not comply?
Failure to comply with these requirements can have serious consequences.
Landlords may face:
- Financial penalties of up to £7,000
- Restrictions on relying on certain possession grounds
- Increased risk of disputes or enforcement action by local authorities
Practical compliance tips
- Incorporate the required information into your tenancy agreement, or provide it as a separate written document before the tenancy is agreed
- Exact statutory wording is not required, provided all required information is included
- Ensure you meet the 31 May 2026 deadline for existing tenancies
- Check whether you need to provide written terms or the Renters’ Rights Information Sheet
How we can help
The changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 create new and detailed compliance obligations for landlords and agents.
If you are unsure whether your tenancy agreements or processes meet the new requirements, our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors can:
- Review and update your tenancy documentation
- Advise on compliance with the 2026 requirements
- Support you in possession proceedings and dispute resolution
If you would like to arrange a meeting with one of our experts, please complete the fom below or call us on 0800 118 1500
Disclaimer
The contents of this blog or any other published by Talbots Law cannot be considered as legal advice. You should take no action without prior consultation with a qualified solicitor or legal professional. The contents of this blog refers to the process in England and Wales.
This blog was written by Katie Richards, Associate & Solicitor, in our Dispute Resolution team.
[1] Grounds 2ZA-2ZD, Schedule 2, Housing Act 1988 – where there is a superior lease.
[2] Ground 4, Schedule 2, Housing Act 1988 – student occupation.
[3] Ground 4A, Schedule 2, Housing Act 1988 – properties rented to students for occupation by new students.
[4] Ground 5-5H, Schedule 2, Housing Act 1988 – tenancies for certain purposes., and may provide it in any written form, including within the tenancy agreement.