Government Information Sheet 2026 — What Landlords Must Do

What Is the Government Information Sheet?

The Government Information Sheet is a statutory prescribed document produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Phase 1 (effective from 1 May 2026).

The document covers key topics including:

• Tenant's right to remain in the property and security of tenure
• How to request changes to the tenancy (e.g. pet requests)
• Rent increase procedures and the 12-month rule
• Landlord's obligation to maintain the property in good condition
• The process for making complaints to the First-Tier Tribunal
• The landlord's legal obligations regarding deposits, repairs, and standards
• Contact information for local authorities and ombudsmen

This is NOT a document produced by SunClause. It is the official government document, available freely from GOV.UK. You cannot substitute it with your own information sheet or a summary.

Who Must Receive the Information Sheet?

The information sheet must be given to:

• All existing tenants in assured tenancies in England (by 31 May 2026)
• All new tenants starting tenancies from 1 May 2026 onwards (at the start of the tenancy)
• Tenants in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must each receive a copy
• All joint tenants must receive a copy

Who does NOT need to receive it:

• Lodgers (non-assured occupiers)
• Regulated tenants under the Rent Act 1977 (these are very rare)
• Secure tenants (council/housing association properties)
• Licences rather than tenancies
• Holiday lets
• Tenancies outside England (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have different regimes)

When Must It Be Given?

Where to Get the Information Sheet

The Information Sheet is available on GOV.UK at no cost. You must download it directly from the government website. Do not use an unofficial version or a paraphrased summary.

Steps to obtain it:

1. Go to www.gov.uk
2. Search for "Renters' Rights Act information sheet"
3. Download the PDF (usually available in both standard and large-print formats)
4. Print copies or save as PDF for email distribution

How to Serve the Information Sheet

Acceptable methods of service include:

• Hand delivery: Give a physical copy to the tenant in person and obtain a signature as proof of service
• Post: Send by regular or recorded delivery. Recorded delivery is recommended for proof of service. Allow time for postal delivery.
• Email: Send a PDF copy if the tenant has agreed to electronic service and has provided an email address. Keep the email as proof of service.
• Via a letting agent: If you use a letting agent, ensure they serve the sheet on your behalf. The responsibility to serve remains with you, even if delegated.
• Via the tenancy application process: For new tenancies from 1 May 2026, provide the sheet during the move-in process, preferably before the tenancy commences.

Prescribed Written Information (SI 2026/324)

In addition to the Government Information Sheet, you must also serve prescribed written information as set out in The Assured Tenancies (Relevant Information) (England) Order 2026 (SI 2026/324).

This prescribed information must cover:

• The prescribed terms of the tenancy (e.g. rent amount, tenancy start date, type of tenancy)
• Rent increase procedures (i.e. the use of Form 4A)
• The tenant's statutory rights regarding repairs, quiet enjoyment, and deposit protection
• Deposit protection scheme details (if a deposit is taken)
• Contact information for the landlord or letting agent
• The procedure for making a complaint to the First-Tier Tribunal

You can provide this information in a single document combined with the Government Information Sheet, or as part of your tenancy agreement. The key point is that the tenant must receive this information in writing.

What Happens If You Don't Serve It?

The consequences of failing to serve the Information Sheet are serious:

Common Questions About the Information Sheet

Can I serve the Information Sheet electronically?

Yes, but only if the tenant has agreed to electronic service and has provided an email address. Keep the email as proof. Do not send it through an insecure method; use a reliable email system and request delivery confirmation if possible.

What if a tenant claims they didn't receive it?

This is why proof of service is essential. If you sent by post (recorded delivery), you have the tracking number. If by email, you have the email record. If by hand, you have a signature. These records protect you if a dispute arises.

Do I need to serve it again if a tenant moves out and a new tenant moves in during the same tenancy?

If the same tenancy continues with a new occupant (e.g. a new joint tenant added), the existing tenant(s) have already received the sheet, but the new tenant must receive a copy.

What if I have a letting agent managing my property?

You remain responsible for serving the Information Sheet, even if delegated to your agent. Ensure your agent has served it and obtain written confirmation. Keep records in your own files.

Can I charge the tenant for the Information Sheet?

No. The sheet is a statutory requirement and must be provided at no cost to the tenant.

Practical Steps: Checklist for Compliance

1. Download the Information Sheet from GOV.UK (before 31 May 2026)
2. Compile your list of all existing tenants and their contact details
3. Decide your method of service (hand delivery, post, email)
4. Prepare a service record template (tenant name, property, date served, method, signature/confirmation)
5. Serve the sheet to all existing tenants by 31 May 2026
6. Record the date and method of service for each tenant
7. Keep all proof of service (signed receipts, email confirmations, postal receipts)
8. For new tenancies from 1 May, provide the sheet on the first day, before rent is due
9. File a summary of who received the sheet and when (for your compliance records)

Not Legal Advice

This guide is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Requirements and circumstances vary. If you have specific questions about your tenancy or your obligations, consult a solicitor or a qualified letting agent.