With the Renters’ Rights Act now moving into its rollout phase, we finally have confirmation of when the first set of changes will come into force. Phase One begins on 1st May 2026, followed by Phase Two in late 2026 and a future Phase Three expected after further consultation.
Before we reach 1st May, however, landlords have an important deadline approaching: every landlord in England must give their existing tenants a Government-produced information sheet by no later than 1st April 2025.
This requirement applies to all landlords — including those with fully written tenancy agreements and those with simple oral or informal arrangements — and it sits alongside the existing documents you already provide.
As we approach the new year, here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
A quick overview of what’s coming
Although this article focuses on the actions you must take before 1st April, here’s a brief snapshot of the wider implementation timeline:
Phase One – 1st May 2025
The tenancy reform begins, covering changes to tenancy structures, notice periods, and strengthened tenant protections.
Phase Two – Late 2026
This will introduce the new PRS Database and the Landlord Ombudsman.
Phase Three – TBC (consultation expected 2035–2037)
This is expected to cover the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law.
For now, landlords need to focus on the immediate requirement: ensuring every tenancy receives the new Government information sheet ahead of Phase One.
What exactly is the new information sheet?
The Government has confirmed that it will be releasing an official information sheet for tenants, which is designed to walk them through their rights under the Renters’ Rights Act. It will outline what protections they have, how the new reforms might affect their current tenancy, what landlords are still required to provide in terms of safety and compliance, and where tenants can go for support or help if any issues arise.
Who needs to receive the information sheet?
Every tenant — without exception.
This includes:
- Tenants on existing written tenancy agreements
- Tenants who signed a tenancy years ago
- Tenants with rolling periodic tenancies
- Tenants on oral or informal agreements
The Government has been clear that this rule applies even to oral tenancies, which may catch some landlords off guard.
If you have more than one tenant living in a property (for example, in a shared house or HMO), each individual must receive the sheet unless they are listed together on a single agreement.
What self-managing landlords need to do now
Even though the Government hasn’t published the new information sheet yet, there’s plenty you can be getting on with in the meantime. A good starting point is to review all your tenancies and make sure your records are completely up to date. Knowing exactly who your tenants are, how to contact them, when their tenancy began, and whether they’re on a written or oral agreement will make things much smoother once the information sheet is finally released — and it reduces the risk of anyone being missed.
It’s also worth double-checking all your compliance documents while you’re at it. Gas safety, electrical safety, EPCs, deposit protection, and the latest “How to Rent” guide all still need to be in place; the new requirement isn’t replacing anything you currently do, it’s simply being added on top. Making sure everything is already in order will save you time and stress when the April deadline draws closer.
Finally, think about how you plan to send the information sheet to your tenants once it becomes available. Decide whether you’ll use email, post, or both, and how you’ll record that it has been delivered — especially in cases where tenants are on oral or long-standing informal arrangements. Having a clear communication plan and good evidence of delivery will be essential when it comes to staying compliant.
How your letting agent should be supporting you through these changes
For landlords who use a letting agent for full management, this period of reform is exactly when your agent should be stepping up to ensure you remain compliant and protected. A good letting agent will take the lead on all upcoming requirements, removing the stress and making sure nothing is missed.
Here’s what your agent should be doing for you:
- Proactively communicating with landlords
- Updating all files to ensure complete readiness for Phase One
- Monitoring the Government’s release of the official information sheet
- Issuing the document to every tenant within the required timeframe
- Recording proof of delivery for compliance
A well-organised, proactive agent makes a significant difference during periods of legislative change. If your agent isn’t already preparing for these requirements or keeping you informed, now is the time to have that conversation.
What happens if landlords do not comply?
Penalties for failing to issue the information sheet are significant.
Landlords may face:
- Fines of up to £7,000
- Possible criminal liability
Because this requirement applies to every tenancy type, including oral tenancies, it’s essential that landlords take the April deadline seriously and have a clear plan for meeting it.
This will be the first major requirement under the Renters’ Rights Act, and although the information sheet has not yet been published, landlords need to start preparing now.
Whether you manage your properties yourself or rely on an agent, the key is to stay ahead of the changes, keep clear records, and make sure every tenant receives what they should within the right timeframe.
As always, Lifeboat Lettings is here to support you through these reforms and ensure your tenancies remain compliant, protected, and well-managed. If you have any questions about how these changes affect your portfolio, book a chat with our expert.
