As we approach the date that the first stage of the changes will come into force on 01 May 2026, further guidance and secondary legislation will be published to enact the changes.

A new draft statutory instrument has been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This is one of many steps that will be taken in preparation for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.

From 01 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with a written statement of information before a tenancy agreement is signed or otherwise agreed. It is important to note that the written statement is not the tenancy agreement. It is a separate document (which can be incorporated within the tenancy agreement) that tenants must be provided with.

What information needs to be provided in the written statement?

The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026 provide a comprehensive list of the information that will need to be provided in the written statement. 

The key information is set out below as follows:

• Details of the parties 

• • Name of landlord and tenant. 
  • Address for service of notices.
  • Address of the rented property. 

• Terms of the Tenancy Agreement.

• • The date when the tenant is entitled to possession of the property. 
  • The rent payable and when it is due.
  • A note explaining that for any rent increases, the landlord must serve a notice under section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. 

• Minimum notice period for the tenant. 
• A statement setting out how the Landlord can obtain possession. 

• • This will be achieved by following the Section 8 process in the Housing Act 1988.

• A statement setting out the landlord’s obligations. 

• • Ensuring the property is fit for habitation. 
  • Ensuring the property is kept in repair (section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985).
  • Ensuring compliance with the electrical and gas safety regulations. 

• A tenant’s right to request permission to keep a pet. 
• Information regarding applications for improvements to premises to facilitate a disabled person’s occupation and enjoyment of the property under section 190 of the Equality Act 2010.

It is important to note that this information is still in draft form and subject to change.

Consequences of not providing the written statement

A failure to provide this information before the tenancy agreement is signed or agreed to will be a breach of the Renters’ Rights Act and could lead to a fine.   

Tenancies entered before 01 May 2026

For any written tenancy (previously an AST) signed and entered before 01 May 2026, a statement of information is not required. Instead, landlords will need to provide an information sheet which is set to be published in March 2026. Its purpose is to set out how the tenancy may be affected by the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. 

Landlords will need to provide this to their tenants by 31 May 2026.

For verbal tenancy agreements entered into prior to 01 May 2026, the position is different in that landlords must provide the full written statement referred to above by 31 May 2026.

How to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act

With 01 May 2026 and the Renters’ Rights Act fast approaching, landlords should keep an eye out for further updates and guidance provided.

At Kitson Boyce, our specialist property dispute resolution team in Devon is well-versed in the upcoming changes. If you require any assistance or legal advice on the Renters’ Rights Act, please contact Fiona Hannaford on 01803 206209 or [email protected].