The 31st May Deadline Many Landlords Still Do not Know About
Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1st May 2026, much of the attention has focused on the abolition of Section 21 notices, periodic tenancies and changes to possession grounds.
However, one of the first major compliance deadlines under the new system is arriving far sooner, and it is something landlords across England should not overlook.
The 31st May 2026 Deadline
Landlords and letting agents in England now have a legal duty to provide existing tenants with the government-issued “Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026” in certain circumstances.
Failure to comply could result in:
- financial penalties of up to £7,000
- wider compliance concerns under the new tenancy framework (gov.uk)
For many landlords, this requirement has arrived alongside a significant amount of wider legislative reform and operational change within the private rented sector.
What Is The Information Sheet?
The Information Sheet is an official government document designed to explain to tenants:
- how the new legislation affects their tenancy
- changes to possession rules
- how rent increases now work
- tenant rights under the new system
- where tenants can access further information and support (gov.uk)
The government guidance also confirms that the document must be provided in its original form. (gov.uk)
Who Needs To Receive It?
The requirement generally applies where:
- the tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- the tenancy began before 1st May 2026
- there is a wholly or partly written tenancy agreement in place (gov.uk)
The guidance also states:
- every named tenant should receive a copy
- simply sending a web link is not sufficient
- landlords should retain evidence that the document has been served correctly (gov.uk)
Existing Verbal Agreements Also Need Attention
Where a tenancy operated entirely on a verbal agreement before 1st May 2026, landlords may instead need to provide a written statement of terms by the same deadline. (gov.uk)
This is particularly relevant for some long-standing tenancies where documentation may historically have been informal or incomplete.
Why This Matters
The Renters’ Rights Act represents one of the biggest structural changes to the private rented sector in decades.
Under the new framework:
- Section 21 “no fault” evictions have ended
- most tenancies are now periodic
- rent increases follow a revised statutory process
- possession claims are becoming increasingly evidence and process driven (gov.uk)
As a result, documentation, communication and procedural compliance are now more important than ever for landlords and agents alike.
The Local Picture
Across the south west rental market, we are continuing to speak with landlords who are trying to understand:
- how existing tenancies have changed
- what documentation must now be issued
- whether their tenancy agreements remain compliant
- what operational processes may need updating moving forward
For many landlords, particularly self-managing landlords or those with long-standing tenancies, the scale of legislative change has been significant.
This is why proactive management and access to reliable industry guidance are becoming increasingly important within today’s rental market.
Our Advice To Landlords
At this stage, landlords should:
1. Review all current tenancies
2. Identify which tenants require the Information Sheet
3. Check whether written tenancy records exist
4. Ensure documents are served correctly
5. Retain evidence of compliance and service
The new legislation places far greater emphasis on process, record keeping and procedural accuracy than many landlords may previously have experienced.
We Are Here To Help
At Allen Residential, we continue to monitor changes across the rental sector closely to help local landlords remain informed, compliant and protected.
The legislation is evolving rapidly, and many landlords are understandably looking for practical guidance on what the changes mean in real terms for their properties and tenancies.
Our role is to remain a trusted local point of contact, helping landlords navigate the changing rental landscape professionally, proactively and with confidence.
If you are unsure whether your tenancy arrangements comply with the latest requirements, now is the ideal time to review them before the 31st May deadline.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to discuss on (01761) 412 300 for the Paulton office or (01749) 672 678 for the Wells office or email lettings@allen-residential.co.uk
