The Renters’ Rights Act information sheet — Act before 31 May 2026 or risk a £7,000 fine

The deadline is fixed and approaching fast. Under the Renters’ Rights Act landlords must issue a prescribed information sheet to tenants by 31 May 2026. Failure to supply that document can attract civil penalties up to £7,000 per breach. This information sheet explains who must act what the prescribed information must contain how to deliver it and practical steps to prove compliance under the law in England.

Who must issue the prescribed information sheet

Any landlord letting residential property under assured shorthold tenancies licences or other agreements that create a private residential tenancy must provide the prescribed information sheet. Letting agents and property managers who act on a landlord’s behalf share responsibility for delivering the document. Local authorities and enforcement bodies will expect to see evidence that the prescribed information was given before the statutory deadline.

What the prescribed information sheet must include

The Act sets out the core topics the prescribed information must cover. The sheet must clearlyThe Renters’ Rights Act information sheet — Act before 31 May 2026 or risk a £7,000 fine

• the tenancy type and start date

• deposit protection arrangements including the scheme used and how tenants can challenge deductions

• tenant and landlord repair responsibilities and how to report defects

• how to make a complaint and the alternative dispute resolution options available

• notice periods and the correct procedure for possession action

• safety certificate details including gas electrical and fire safety where applicable

• how to access the property’s energy performance certificate and any plans to improve energy efficiency

The prescribed wording includes specific phrases and statutory references. Use the official template here or a solicitor drafted version that mirrors the statutory requirements exactly.

Why the 31 May 2026 deadline matters

The Act makes the issuance of the prescribed information time sensitive. Landlords must provide the sheet by 31 May 2026 for existing tenancies and at the point of commencement for new tenancies. Local authorities will treat missed or late delivery as a compliance failure and may open investigations that lead to civil penalties of up to £7,000 per breach. Timely compliance reduces the risk of enforcement action and protects a landlord’s reputation in the rental market.

How to deliver the prescribed information correctly

Deliver the prescribed information in a durable, verifiable format. The Act allows digital delivery by email where tenants have consented to electronic communications. When you post the document use recorded delivery and retain proof of postage. For in person handover have the tenant sign an acknowledgement. Keep the original signed or timestamped copy in your compliance folder.

Evidence landlords should keep

Enforcing authorities will ask for evidence. Keep the following records for each tenancy:

• dated copy of the prescribed information given to the tenant

• proof of electronic delivery such as email timestamp or delivery receipt

• signed acknowledgement from the tenant where applicable

• records of any subsequent updates or reissues of the information

• copies of safety certificates EPCs and deposit protection confirmations

An organised compliance file that contains these documents will materially reduce the risk of a fine and speed up any enforcement response.

Common mistakes to avoid

Landlords regularly fall into avoidable errors. Avoid these common mistakes:

• assuming verbal or informal explanations are sufficient

• using an outdated version of the prescribed information or missing statutory wording

• failing to provide the sheet where an agent manages the property on your behalf

• not keeping proof of delivery or tenant acknowledgement

• assuming past delivery covers renewed or rolled over tenancies without issuing updated information

Fix these problems now to avoid the risk of enforcement.

Practical checklist to act before 31 May 2026

1. Audit every tenancy now

   – Identify which tenancies require the prescribed information and compile a status list.

2. Use the statutory template or solicitor approved version

   – Ensure the content matches statutory requirements exactly.

3. Deliver the sheet and retain proof

   – Prefer digital delivery with a timestamped record or recorded post and signed acknowledgements.

4. Update related documents

   – Check deposit protection details safety certificates and EPCs match the information given.

5. Confirm agent compliance

   – If you use agents obtain written confirmation they have issued the prescribed information and retain their evidence.

6. Reissue when circumstances change

   – If tenancy terms deposit arrangements or safety records change reissue the prescribed information and log the update.

When to get our specialist help

If you identify gaps or you receive a warning notice from a local authority seek our advice promptly. A solicitor like us who specialise in Landlird and tenant law will help you produce a compliant prescribed information sheet respond to enforcement enquiries and mitigate proposed penalties. Early legal support often prevents escalation and reduces the likelihood of a significant fine.

Conclusion — urgent action required

The Renters’ Rights Act creates a non negotiable obligation to provide the prescribed information sheet by 31 May 2026. Act now to audit your tenancies update your paperwork and deliver the required documents in a verifiable form. Keep careful records and confirm any agents have acted properly. Timely compliance protects your tenants your property and your business from fines up to £7,000 and from reputational harm in the rental market.

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of landlord and tenant law both acting for landlords and tenants and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s partner, Peter Johnson on 25th May 2026 and is correct at the time of publication. With decades of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here