The Renters Rights Act
Explained – Information Sheet
From 1 May 2026, important transitional rules come into effect for landlords in England as part of the Renters’ Rights Act. If you have an existing assured shorthold tenancy (AST) that is wholly or partly in writing and was signed before 1 May 2026, you must provide your tenants with the government‑produced Information Sheet no later than 31 May 2026.
This Information Sheet explains how each tenancy will be affected as the Act ushers in wide-ranging reforms to the rental sector.
Which Tenancies Are Affected?
✔️ Existing ASTs signed by all parties before 1 May 2026
❌ New tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026 — these will automatically fall under the new assured periodic tenancy (APT) regime instead
New APTs will also need to include mandatory terms known as the Written Statement of Terms.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to give tenants the required Information Sheet can result in a civil penalty of up to £7,000.
Where to Access the Information Sheet
The official Information Sheet is available to download from the government website
( Gov.uk Renters Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 ) , and guidance confirms that landlords do not need to wait until 1 May to serve it. Acting early can help ensure a smooth transition before the new rules take effect.
Free Resource – As a landlord, to help you prepare for these changes our Property Litigation Team have produced a checklist. Consider this checklist to help ensure that your existing tenancies transition under the new rules and for you to be prepared when entering into new tenancies under the new Act. Click on the link below to download a pdf copy of the checklist.
Renters Rights Act – Compliance checklist for Landlords
You can find out more about our services to Landlords and Tenants, and download our leaflet, here Residential Landlord and Tenant Disputes Legal Services | Adams Harrison
For more information and advice on this and how this may affect you please contact our Property Litigation Team at [email protected]
Anton Bilinski is a Chartered Legal Executive working within the Litigation Department having qualified in 2010.
Anton’s area of expertise is in Personal Injury Law having acted for a number of clients with their claims following Accidents at Work, in a Public Place and Road Traffic Accidents with a high success rate. Achieving above average payments for his clients. He is member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Anton can also advise on matters across a broad range of civil litigation including advising Landlords in connection with possession claims and recovery of rental arrears as well as disputed debts for individuals and companies.
Anton joined the firm in 2001 and has built up a longstanding relationship with local clients and businesses throughout this time.
Outside of work Anton’s family keeps him busy!
