New Tenancies After May 2026: When to Serve the Information Sheet

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces significant obligations for landlords, particularly the requirement to serve Information Sheet 2026 to tenants in new tenancies starting after 31 May 2026. Understanding exactly when and how to serve this document is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential penalties.

This guide breaks down the key timing requirements, special circumstances, and practical considerations you need to know as a landlord or letting agent.

What Constitutes a 'New Tenancy' Under the Act

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies specifically to new tenancies that begin after 31 May 2026. This includes:

• Fresh tenancy agreements with new tenants
• New agreements with existing tenants where the previous tenancy has ended
• Joint tenancies where all tenants are bound by a single agreement
• Student accommodation that falls within the Act's scope
• Replacement tenancies following the end of a fixed-term agreement

Importantly, existing tenancies that were in place before 31 May 2026 are not subject to these new Information Sheet requirements, even if they continue beyond this date.

Timing Requirements for Serving Information Sheet 2026

Standard Tenancies

For most new tenancies, you must serve Information Sheet 2026 before the tenancy begins. The government guidance is clear that tenants should receive this information as part of their pre-tenancy documentation, alongside other required documents such as:

• The tenancy agreement
• Deposit protection information
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Gas safety certificate (if applicable)

Serving the Information Sheet early in the process ensures tenants understand their rights before committing to the tenancy.

Joint Tenancies and Multiple Occupants

When dealing with joint tenancies, each named tenant must receive their own copy of Information Sheet 2026. You cannot simply provide one copy to be shared amongst multiple tenants.

For joint tenancies, consider these practical points:

• Individual service: Each tenant requires their own copy, even if they share the same address
• Timing consistency: All tenants should receive the Information Sheet at the same time
• Audit trail: You need to maintain records showing each tenant received their copy
• Acknowledgement: Each tenant should separately acknowledge receipt

"The key to successful compliance isn't just serving the right documents—it's proving you've done so with a clear audit trail that stands up to scrutiny."

Student Lettings and Academic Year Considerations

Standard Student Accommodation

Student lettings present unique timing challenges, particularly with academic year cycles. For student tenancies beginning after 31 May 2026:

• September start dates: Information Sheet 2026 must be served before the tenancy begins, typically during the summer booking process
• Mid-year starts: January or other mid-academic year starts follow the same pre-tenancy serving requirement
• Group bookings: When students book together, each individual tenant requires their own copy

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

While some forms of student accommodation may fall outside the Act's scope, standard student lettings in the private rented sector are generally subject to the Information Sheet requirements. Check whether your student lettings qualify for any exemptions under the Act.

Tenancy Renewals vs New Agreements

When Renewals Become 'New Tenancies'

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, many tenancies will become periodic by default. However, situations still arise where you're creating genuinely new tenancy agreements:

• Gap between tenancies: If there's a break between the old tenancy ending and new one starting
• Changed terms: Substantially different rental terms or conditions
• Additional tenants: Adding new tenants to create a fresh joint tenancy
• Property changes: Significant alterations to the let property or its extent

Continuing Periodic Tenancies

If a tenancy that began before 31 May 2026 continues as a periodic tenancy, this generally doesn't trigger the Information Sheet requirement. The key test is whether you're creating a genuinely new tenancy relationship or continuing an existing one.

Practical Compliance Steps

Documentation and Record Keeping

Maintaining proper records is essential for demonstrating compliance:

• Delivery confirmation: Email read receipts, postal delivery confirmation, or hand-delivery receipts
• Date and time stamps: Clear records of when each tenant received their copy
• Acknowledgement records: Tenant confirmation they've received and understood the Information Sheet
• Version control: Ensuring you're using the current version of Information Sheet 2026

Digital vs Physical Delivery

While the Act permits electronic service of Information Sheet 2026, you must ensure:

• Tenants can access and retain the digital copy
• The delivery method provides adequate proof of service
• You maintain backup records in case of technical issues

Platforms like Ploxit streamline this process by automatically sending the official GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026 via email whilst maintaining a comprehensive audit log showing when documents were sent, opened, and acknowledged by tenants.

Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid

Late Service

Serving Information Sheet 2026 after a tenancy has begun is a compliance failure. Even if tenants don't object, you've technically breached your obligations under the Act.

Incomplete Joint Tenancy Service

Failing to serve all joint tenants individually is another common error. Each tenant's rights are individual, even within a joint tenancy structure.

Assuming Exemptions

Don't assume your tenancies are exempt from Information Sheet requirements without checking the specific provisions. Most standard assured shorthold tenancies starting after 31 May 2026 will be subject to these rules.

Getting Compliance Right

Complying with Information Sheet 2026 requirements doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be systematic. Using automated compliance tools like Ploxit ensures you never miss the timing requirements whilst building the robust audit trail that demonstrates your commitment to following the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

The investment in proper compliance processes protects both you and your tenants, creating transparency from the very start of each tenancy relationship.

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This article provides general information about the Renters' Rights Act 2025 requirements and should not be treated as legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal professionals for specific situations or complex cases.