From 1 May 2026, the rules around renting in England are changing in ways that affect nearly every tenant. If you’re renting or about to sign a new tenancy, you need to know what you’re entitled to receive in writing before you agree to anything. The government has confirmed that landlords who fail to provide this information could face a fine of up to £7,000. That’s not a small penalty, and it tells you how seriously these new requirements are being taken.
I’ve been following these changes closely because they come up again and again in conversations with renters who aren’t sure what they’re supposed to get from their landlord. The confusion is understandable — the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces a lot of new terms and deadlines. But the core of it is simple: from May 2026, you have a legal right to see key information in writing before you commit to a tenancy. Here’s what you actually need to know.
If you’re new to renting in the UK, it’s worth getting familiar with the basics first. I’d recommend reading what you need to know about renting in the UK as a starting point. And if you’re worried about being taken advantage of, a tenant landlord lawyer can help you understand your rights before you sign anything.
What the Written Statement of Terms actually means for you
The most important change is that you can no longer be asked to sign a tenancy agreement without first receiving a Written Statement of Terms. This isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement that gives you time to read and understand what you’re agreeing to. The law says this must be given before the tenancy is entered into, which includes signing, agreeing online, or agreeing in any other way.
What I’d do if I were in your shoes: don’t sign anything until you’ve seen this document. If a landlord or agent tries to rush you, that’s a red flag. You’re entitled to take your time. The whole point of the new rules is to stop tenants from agreeing to terms they haven’t had a chance to properly review.
For a deeper look at what to watch out for during the rental process, spotting rental scams in the UK is a practical read that covers similar ground.
Why the May 2026 deadline matters for existing tenants
If you’re already renting, the changes still affect you. The government has published the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, and your landlord must give it to you between 1 and 31 May 2026 — no earlier and no later. This isn’t optional. If your landlord doesn’t provide it, you can complain to the local council, and they could face that £7,000 fine.
But here’s where it gets specific. If your tenancy was agreed entirely verbally with no written record, the Information Sheet isn’t enough. Your landlord must instead give you a written statement setting out the key terms of your tenancy. That includes things like the rent amount, the start date, and any other important conditions. You need to receive this by 31 May 2026.
One scenario that comes up a lot: what if your landlord has lost the original tenancy agreement? According to guidance from the Landlords Guild, the safer course is for both parties to sign a new tenancy now, before 30 April 2026. That way, between 1 and 31 May, all the landlord needs to do is issue the government Information Sheet. If the tenant won’t agree to a new tenancy, the landlord must provide a written statement that records the existing terms plus the new prescribed terms under the Act.
What I’d do: if you’ve been renting for years and don’t have a clear written agreement, now is the time to sort it out. Ask your landlord for a written statement of your current terms. If they push back, remind them of the 31 May deadline. You’re not being difficult — you’re helping both of you stay compliant.
For more on how to handle conversations with landlords, negotiation strategies for UK renters offers practical advice that applies here too.
Where tenants and landlords get the timing wrong
The most common mistake I see is people thinking the Information Sheet can be given at any point in May. It can’t. The law is clear: it must be given between 1 and 31 May 2026. Not before, not after. A county court case, Siddeeq v Alaian, has already established that prescribed information can’t be given before the relevant event has occurred. The same principle applies here.
Another frequent error involves letting agents. If your landlord uses a letting agent, the cautious view — backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government — is that the Information Sheet should be provided twice: once by the landlord and once by the agent. This isn’t overkill; it’s what the government has expressly recommended in stakeholder correspondence. If you only receive it from one party, you’re still covered, but don’t be surprised if you get two copies.
| Tenancy Type | What You Must Receive | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New tenancy (from 1 May 2026) | Written Statement of Terms | Before signing or agreeing |
| Existing written tenancy | Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 | 1–31 May 2026 |
| Existing oral tenancy | Written statement of key terms | By 31 May 2026 |
| Student HMO (landlord using ground 4A) | Information Sheet + written notice about ground 4A | 1–31 May 2026 |
A third mistake is assuming the Information Sheet covers everything. For student lettings, landlords who want to use the new ground 4A to recover possession at the end of the academic year must also provide a separate written notice about that ground between 1 and 31 May. The Information Sheet itself says it doesn’t count as that written notice. If you’re a student tenant, make sure you receive both documents.
What I’d do: if you’re a student renting an HMO, ask your landlord or agent specifically about ground 4A. Don’t assume the Information Sheet covers it. And if you’re a landlord reading this, don’t rely on a single document to cover all your bases — the law is specific about what each document must contain.
For a complete walkthrough of what to check before moving in, the ultimate UK renter’s checklist covers everything from viewing to moving day.
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What to do now: a practical guide for tenants
Check what type of tenancy you have
Your first step is to figure out whether your tenancy is written or oral. If you signed a paper or digital agreement, you have a written tenancy. If you just shook hands and started paying rent, it’s oral. This distinction determines what you need to receive and by when. If you’re unsure, look for any emails, texts, or messages that confirm the terms — those might count as a written record.
If you have a written tenancy signed before 1 May 2026, your landlord needs to give you the Information Sheet between 1 and 31 May. If your tenancy is oral, they need to give you a full written statement of terms by 31 May. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask.
Request your documents in writing
Send your landlord or agent a polite email or message asking for the Information Sheet or Written Statement of Terms, depending on your situation. Keep a copy of your request. If they don’t respond or refuse, you have evidence to take to the local council. The fine of up to £7,000 is a strong incentive for them to comply, but you need to have asked first.
What I’d do: send the request by email so there’s a clear timestamp. If you only have a phone number, follow up with a text message and screenshot it. Documentation is your friend here.
Understand the new rent rules
From 1 May 2026, rent review clauses in tenancy agreements can no longer be used. Landlords must use the section 13 process instead, which is limited to once per year, requires two months’ notice via Form 4A, and is capped at market rent. This means your rent can’t be increased arbitrarily or more than once a year. If your landlord tries to raise the rent outside this process, you have grounds to challenge it.
For more on how to handle disputes with landlords, avoiding lease eviction best practices covers the key steps to protect yourself.
Know your new right to keep a pet
From 1 May 2026, you have the right to request a pet. Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse and must give written reasons if they do. This is a significant change — previously, many landlords simply said no. If you want a pet, submit a written request. If the landlord refuses without a good reason, you can challenge it. Keep a copy of your request and their response.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet, make sure your rental property is secure. A video doorbell can help you keep an eye on things when you’re out, and it’s a reasonable addition that most landlords won’t object to.
Prepare for the end of fixed terms
All tenancies automatically become rolling periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. Fixed end dates no longer apply. This means you don’t have to worry about your tenancy ending on a specific date — it will continue until you or your landlord ends it properly. You can leave at any time with two months’ written notice, ending on a rent due date. Landlords must use a valid section 8 ground, and no sale or family move-in grounds are available in the first 12 months.
What I’d do: if you’re on a fixed term that ends after May 2026, don’t assume you need to move out on that date. You don’t. Your tenancy continues automatically. But make sure you understand the new notice periods so you don’t accidentally give too little notice.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my landlord doesn’t give me the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026? ▾
Can my landlord increase my rent more than once a year after May 2026? ▾
I have an oral tenancy. Do I still need to receive something from my landlord? ▾
Can I be evicted without a reason after May 2026? ▾
What if my landlord has lost the original tenancy agreement? ▾
Can I request a pet after 1 May 2026? ▾
The changes coming in May 2026 give you more rights and more clarity than ever before. The key is to know what you’re entitled to and to ask for it in writing. Don’t assume your landlord will volunteer the information — many won’t realise the rules have changed until it’s too late. If this was useful, you might also want to read shared housing success: how to find the perfect flatmate in the UK.
Sources and Further Reading
Top tips for renting shared accommodation in the UK — Practical advice for navigating shared tenancies and understanding your responsibilities.
Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant. UK Government, 2026.
Renters’ Rights Act 2026 Information Sheet and Forms. Landlords Guild, 2026.
What should I receive before I agree a new tenancy from 1 May 2026?. Tenant Hive, 2026.
