The How To Rent Booklet
From 1 May 2026 the Renters Rights Act 2025 has taken effect and a new statutory regime has significantly changed the relationship between landlords and tenants.
Under the previous regime, landlords were required to provide tenants with the correct version of the “How to Rent” guide as a prerequisite for serving a valid section 21 notice. With the abolition of section 21 (no-fault) evictions by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (‘the Act’), that requirement falls away and the “How to Rent” booklet ceases to have any statutory function.
In its place, the Act introduces a new obligation: landlords must provide tenants with a government-produced information sheet explaining the changes brought about by the Act. This information sheet was to be published by the government before 1 May 2026. For existing tenancies that are wholly or partly in writing, landlords were required to give tenants the information sheet by 31 May 2026; for wholly oral tenancies, a full written statement of terms must also be provided within one month of commencement.
The information sheet is highly important for landlords. Failure to provide the sheet to existing tenants constitutes a breach capable of attracting a financial penalty of up to £7,000.
What about new tenancies?
As regards new tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026, the position is different again. A written statement of terms must be provided to tenants before the tenancy is entered into. The content of this written statement is governed by the Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026, which prescribe both “core tenancy information” and “additional information” that must be included. Non-compliance with the obligation to provide a written statement of terms carries significant financial and even, in some cases, criminal consequences. Failure to give a written statement of terms containing the information required by regulations is separately listed as a breach attracting a financial penalty of up to £7,000. For assistance with preparing your written statement, contact our specialist property litigation team today. We act nationally and would love to assist you.
Summary
A new process from 1 May 2026 removes the need for a how to rent booklet being provided to a tenant. Under the new regime, landlords must provide a targeted, Act-specific information sheet for existing tenants, coupled with a mandatory written statement of terms for new tenancies, reflecting a broader shift towards formalised, enforceable information obligations at every stage of the letting process.
Our specialist property litigation team act in all manner of property disputes, nationally. This includes acting in eviction and disrepair claims, serving notices, recovering rent arrears, and regaining possession. If you have any queries don’t hesitate to contact our team and we will be happy to help.
