Applies to EnglandLast review: 20 March 2026

RightsAct guide

New tenancy information requirements

What landlords should provide in writing for new tenancies in the updated framework.

Applies to: EnglandBy RightsAct editorialLast reviewed 20 March 20261 min readGeneral information, not legal advice

Trust check

General information only, not legal advice. For high-impact decisions, verify the latest official guidance first.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Check official guidance before acting

What this page covers

  • New tenancy onboarding
  • Document controls
  • Process quality

What this page does not cover

  • Commercial tenancy templates

Key takeaways

  • Standardise packs
  • Track delivery
  • Keep templates current

Here's the short version

Written information quality is a compliance issue. Prepare standard packs and version control them.

For high-impact decisions, verify current wording on GOV.UK before you rely on any summary.

What this means in practice

This page is written for landlords and agents who need process-compliant steps.

Start with facts in date order: tenancy status, notice type, service dates, and any court steps.

  • Step 1: Use a single current template set.
  • Step 2: Track when information is given to the tenant.
  • Step 3: Review guidance updates regularly.

What changes now

The points below are the checks most likely to change outcomes in real cases.

  • Step 1: Read written information guidance
  • Step 2: Check information sheet topic page
  • Step 3: Audit onboarding process

What to check next

Use this page with the source list, not in isolation. Keep documentary evidence and written communication records.

  • Primary scope: New tenancy onboarding, Document controls, Process quality.
  • Out of scope: Commercial tenancy templates.
  • If your case is urgent or disputed, use professional advice with your documents to hand.

Common confusion

Small omissions in written packs can create larger disputes later.

Most avoidable mistakes come from relying on memory, verbal statements, or outdated templates rather than date-checked sources.

Examples

Scenario 1

You are dealing with new tenancy onboarding and need a practical route through the new framework.

Scenario 2

Your case sits near the transition date, so you check dates and paperwork first before deciding the next action.

If you are a tenant

  • If you are renting, keep copies of notices, rent messages, and tenancy documents before responding.
  • If the route used by the landlord does not match guidance, get advice quickly with your timeline.

If you are a landlord

  • If you let property, treat implementation as an operational process: forms, timing, and evidence quality all matter.
  • Use the roadmap and landlord guidance pages to verify current requirements before serving notices or changing rent.

Common confusion

Small omissions in written packs can create larger disputes later.

What to check next

  • Read the listed official references in full and confirm publication dates.
  • Open existing tenancies and information sheet (/landlords/existing-tenancies-and-information-sheet) for the next level of detail.
  • Open information sheet 2026 (/topics/information-sheet-2026) for the next level of detail.
  • Keep copies of notices, tenancy documents, dates, and written communication records.

References

Source-first publishing model: check primary pages directly before acting on notices, possession routes, rent changes, or tenancy documentation.

  • Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant

    GOV.UK • Published: 2025-11-13 • Last checked: 2026-03-20 • Status: active

    Guidance on written tenancy information duties for new and existing tenancy contexts.

    Open source
  • Guide to the Renters' Rights Act

    GOV.UK • Published: 2025-11-06 • Last checked: 2026-03-20 • Status: active

    Primary government overview of the Act, including tenancy reform, rent, possession grounds, discrimination, pets, and implementation framing.

    Open source
  • Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents

    GOV.UK • Published: 2025-11-13 • Last checked: 2026-03-20 • Status: active

    Master guidance index for landlord and agent operational pages linked to the Act rollout.

    Open source

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