Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – New Written Statement Requirements from 1 May 2026

Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - New Written Statement Requirements from 1 May 2026

Original article by MSB Solicitors 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant new requirements for Landlords from 1 May 2026, particularly in relation to the information that must be provided to Tenants before a Tenancy is agreed. Any failure to comply with these new rules carries a meaningful financial and regulatory risk which makes early preparation essential.

Written Statement of Terms

From 1 May 2026, Landlords must provide Tenants with a prescribed written statement of terms prior to the start of a Tenancy. This requirement may be satisfied either by:

• Including the information within the tenancy agreement itself; or
• Providing it as a separate document, provided it matches the Government’s prescribed wording

This applies to all new Housing Act 1988 Tenancies other than those for Social Housing.

Compliance will be assessed against this prescribed wording so there is little scope for variation. The key information that will need to be supplied in the written statement includes, but is not limited to:

• The identities of the Landlord and Tenant
• The Property address
• Rent and payment terms
• The date on which the Tenant is first entitled to possession of the Tenancy
• Whether the Deposit requirements apply to the Tenancy
• Notice provisions
• Certain statutory rights and obligations applying to both parties (such as Repair obligations, Equality Act Rights and Pet Rights)

Existing documentation cannot automatically be assumed to meet these requirements, so make sure that you check your paperwork.

Transitional Provisions for Existing Tenancies

Where an existing Tenancy is wholly or partly in writing and pre-dates 1 May 2026:

• Landlords do not need to re-issue it, but they must supply the Tenant with the Government’s Information Sheet to tenants by 31 May 2026.

The Government are expected to publish the Information Sheet in March 2026.

Where an existing Tenancy is not in writing (e.g. verbal agreement) and pre-dated 1 May 2026:

• Landlords must provide a written statement of the key Tenancy terms to Tenants by 31 May 2026.

Financial Penalties

Failure to provide the prescribed written statement or Information Sheet may result in:

• Civil penalties imposed by local authorities (draft guidance indicates starting penalties around £7,000 per breach, with higher penalties for repeated or serious breaches)
• Potential wider regulatory consequences for non-compliance

Practical Guidance for Landlords and Agents

These new rules continue a shift towards greater standardisation and transparency between Landlord and Tenant. To reduce risk and ensure compliance we would recommend:

• Reviewing all Tenancy documentation now and prepare to issue the prescribed written statement for new tenancies from 1 May 2026
• For existing tenancies, identify whether a written agreement exists and ensure the Information Sheet is provided by 31 May 2026
• Keep clear evidence of service for all documents
• Confirm that the prescribed wording is used exactly as required

Early preparation will help avoid last-minute compliance issues and financial penalties when the Act comes into force.

Government guidance is available here: Renting out your property: written information for tenants

For further guidance on compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act or to review your tenancy documentation, please contact our team at privatelanldords@msbsolicitors.co.uk