Letting agents and landlords across England are facing mounting pressure to comply with another major Renters’ Rights Act deadline, with firms risking fines of up to £7,000 per tenancy if they fail to issue the Government’s official tenant information sheet by 31 May.
The warning comes as the private rented sector continues adjusting to the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May and introduced the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, periodic tenancies from day one and tighter controls around rent increases.
Under the legislation, all tenants with existing assured or assured shorthold tenancies that began before 1 May 2026 must receive the official “Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026” by the end of this month.
The Government has confirmed that where a property is managed by a letting agent, responsibility for issuing the document rests with the agent, even if the landlord has already provided it.
BIG PENALTIES
Industry figures warn that many landlords may still be unaware of the requirement, despite the potential penalties involved. Guidance published by the Government states that failure to comply could result in civil penalties of up to £7,000, with repeat or ongoing breaches potentially rising to £40,000.
Neil McGimpsey (main picture, inset), Group Chief Operating Officer at Lomond, says the deadline represented a critical compliance moment for agents and landlords alike.
“We’ve already seen some of the changes from the Renters’ Rights Act implemented, but there are more to come,” he says.
“By the end of May, tenants must receive the The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
Where a property is managed by an agent, responsibility for issuing this rests with the agent, regardless of whether the landlord has already provided it. Failure to supply tenants with the sheet by the deadline could result in fines of up to £7000.”
COMPLIANCE RUSH
McGimpsey also warns that landlords operating on historic verbal agreements must now provide tenants with written tenancy terms by the same deadline.
The compliance rush comes as the lettings market remains under pressure from continued rental demand and shrinking supply.
“Our latest Lomond Quarterly Insights report found that, in Q1 2026, lettings activity remained high and average rental costs across the UK increased by 10%,” McGimpsey adds.
“With phase two of the Renters’ Rights Act due to be implemented later this year, our lettings agents will continue supporting landlords through every stage of changes within the legislation.”
