Looking for clear rules on the new Written Statement of Terms & Information?
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new mandatory information sheet for private rented homes in England and Wales in 2026. If you’re a private landlord (outside of social housing), these requirements will apply to any new tenancy agreements you create from 1 May 2026.
Landlords with existing tenancies also need to be aware of new rules.
If you get this wrong, you could face civil penalties of up to £7,000 (and potentially other enforcement action). But it’s not as threatening as it sounds – the obligations are straightforward.
Below is an overview of what you need to do.
You’ll learn:
- The rules for new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026
- What landlords with existing tenancies will need to do (and when)
- Exactly what must be included in the Written Statement of Terms & Information
If you want to stay compliant and avoid nasty surprises, keep reading.
3 Key Changes to the Written Statement Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
Section 12 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces a new requirement for landlords and letting agents in England: tenants must be given written information about the new assured periodic tenancy system. This is referred to as the Written Statement of Terms (sometimes described as a written statement of terms and information).
At the time of writing, regulations are in draft form. The Government is expecting to publish the final version in March 2026, but on 19 January already published a draft statutory instrument with accompanying guidance.
Here are themajor changes to be aware of.
1. The Written Statement Is Now Mandatory
- It must be provided before the tenancy is signed or agreed
- Can be included within the tenancy agreement or provided as a separate document
- Applies to all new tenancies from 1 May 2026
- Applies to existing verbal tenancies that began before 1 May 2026
2. Existing Tenancies Also Need the Official Information Sheet
- You will need to provide the Government’s official Information Sheet (expected to be published in March 2026)
- The Information Sheet must be issued on or before 31 May 2026
- No changes to existing written tenancy agreement are needed
- The Information Sheet can be sent electronically or as a hard copy
- Must be given to all named tenants
3. Failure to Comply Can Lead to Penalties
- Failure to provide a compliant Written Statement can trigger civil penalties of up to £7,000
- The penalty risk applies to both landlords and letting agents
Written Statement: What Must Be Included?
The Government’s official Information Sheet is expected to be published in March 2026. But based on the draft statutory instrument published in January 2026, the Written Statement will likely include the items below.
Treat this as a practical checklist for preparing your tenancy paperwork now – the final regulations may still change. If you’re unsure, Strikes Property Services Group will be offering a service to ensure you stay compliant.
1. Landlord & tenant details
- Full landlord name(s)
- An address in England or Wales where the tenant can serve notices on the landlord (this can be a letting agent address or service address, or speak to us about using our address as many landlords currently do)
- Full tenant name(s)
2. Tenancy & rent details
- Full property address
- Tenancy start date
- Rent amount and payment dates
- How rent increases will be handled in a way that is Section 13 compliant
- Which bills are included or excluded (council tax, utilities, TV licence, etc.)
- If bills are paid to the landlord, the statement must explain the amount payable (or how it will be notified) and when each payment is due
- Tenancy deposit amount
- Tenancy deposit protection details
3. Notice & possession
- Minimum notice the tenant must give for a notice to quit
- How landlord repossession will be handled in line with the new grounds of possession
4. Legal & safety obligations
- Fitness for Human Habitation obligations
- Landlord repair responsibilities for: structure and exterior; supply of water, gas and electricity; installations for space heating and water heating
- Electrical safety requirements
- Gas safety inspections
5. Legal & safety obligations
- How pet requests will be handled, including that consent must not be unreasonably refused
- How disability adaptations will be handled
- Supported accommodation status, if relevant
Common Questions Landlords Are Asking
Where can I get the Information Sheet for my tenants?
The Government is expected to publish the Information Sheet online in March 2026. Once it’s available, landlords should download and serve the official version to relevant tenants by 31 May 2026, and keep evidence it was provided. Strikes will be offering this service moving forward.
What if my tenants don’t have a written tenancy agreement?
If the tenancy is wholly oral/verbal with no written terms at all, you must provide a Written Statement of Terms by 31 July 2026 or risk a civil penalty of up to £7,000. If the tenancy is partly in writing, you usually provide the Information Sheet instead, by 31 May 2026.
Do landlords need to reissue tenancy agreements before 1 May 2026?
No. If you already have a tenancy that is wholly or partly in writing in place before 1 May 2026, you generally don’t need to reissue or amend it just to reflect the Act. The key compliance step is serving the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 (and be cautious: signing a brand-new agreement on/after 1 May 2026 may mean it no longer counts as an “existing tenancy” for transition purposes).
When do I need to give a Written Statement of Terms for a new tenancy?
For any new tenancy starting on or after 1 May 2026, you should provide the Written Statement before the tenancy is signed or agreed. To stay safe, issue it as part of your tenancy paperwork pack and keep a record of when it was sent.
What’s the risk if I don’t serve the required documents on time?
Failing to provide the required Written Statement or the Information Sheet (where applicable) can expose landlords and letting agents to civil penalties of up to £7,000. The simplest protection is to keep clear evidence of service, such as an email trail, signed acknowledgment, or a dated certificate of posting.
Do existing tenants with ASTs need a Written Statement of Terms?
Not usually. If you already have a tenancy that is wholly or partly in writing (for example, a signed AST) and it was entered into before 1 May 2026, you generally do not need to issue a new Written Statement. Instead, you must give those tenants the Government’s official Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
3 Major Risks for Landlords to Prepare For
With the new Written Statement of Terms and the Government Information Sheet requirements coming in, many landlords will be asking the same question: what should I prioritise first?
The simplest approach is to focus on the issues most likely to trigger penalties, create disputes with deadlines, or make it harder to regain possession when a tenancy starts to break down.
Here are the three biggest risks landlords should plan for.
- Missing deadlines that trigger civil penalties
New tenancies from 1 May 2026 need the Written Statement issued before the tenancy is signed or agreed. Existing tenancies in writing need the Information Sheet served by 31 May 2026.
- Weak paperwork and unclear records when challenged
If a tenant disputes what was agreed, your paperwork becomes your evidence.
- Possession problems when a tenancy breaks down
Under the new framework, the lawful route matters more, and mistakes can cause delays.
How We Can Help You Prepare
Strikes Property Services Group helps landlords take the lawful route when tenancies become difficult – including issuing possession notices and supporting landlords to regain possession through Section 8 where the grounds apply.
As the Renters’ Rights changes come into force from 2026, deadlines and documentation are becoming more important. We help landlords reduce risk, tighten tenancy processes, and avoid mistakes that can escalate into disputes, delays, or civil penalties.
We can support you with:
- Clear next steps on rent arrears and possession options
If rent arrears are building or a tenancy is breaking down, we’ll explain your legal options, support you with notices and evidence, and help you progress matters efficiently.
- Section 8 eviction support and route-to-possession planning
We can advise you on the correct Section 8 approach based on your situation and the available grounds.
If you’re unsure where to start, now is the time to act. Book a free consultation with our Managing Director, Chris Bane, to discuss your situation and the steps needed to stay compliant and protected.
