Written tenancy terms or the 2026 Information Sheet?

New tenancies from 1 May 2026

For a new assured periodic tenancy, the required written information must be given before the agreement is entered into. It describes the particular tenancy, including the parties, property and key terms. A tenancy agreement can contain it; a separate document is not automatically necessary if all required information is included.

Treat the statement as tenancy-specific. Read the completed document against the actual agreement, rather than treating a template with blank fields as a finished record.

Sources: GOV.UK: written information you need to give your tenant · Legislation: written statement regulations, SI 2026/324

Existing written and verbal agreements

For tenancies already in place with written terms before 1 May 2026, landlords generally had to supply the official Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 rather than issue a replacement agreement. The sheet explains the changes to the rules.

For wholly verbal existing agreements, the required written information was generally due by 31 May 2026. Special cases can have different timing, including certain tenancies that convert later. Check the government guidance if the tenancy did not convert on 1 May.

Sources: GOV.UK: written information you need to give your tenant · GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026

Keep the document and its delivery record

For the Information Sheet, GOV.UK says to give the official PDF as an electronic attachment or a printed copy; sending only a link is not enough. Keep the version supplied and evidence of delivery to the tenants.

The normal May deadline has passed. If a document is missing, distinguish a missing file from a failure to provide it. Do not backdate a newly prepared statement or delivery record.

Sources: GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026

Before you prepare a written statement

Gather the details once, then compare them with the completed statement. These preparation steps help avoid inconsistency across your tenancy records.

• Identify whether this is a new tenancy or an existing one with written or verbal terms.
• Use the actual landlord and tenant details and the full property address.
• Check the rent, payment arrangements, deposit and responsibility for bills.
• Compare the output with the required information in the current regulations.
• Record when the information was supplied, keeping the completed version.