Propertymark has urged letting agents across England to act immediately ahead of the 31 May deadline for issuing mandatory Renters’ Rights Act information sheets to tenants.
The industry body warns that agents who fail to comply with the new legal requirements could face financial penalties of up to £7,000.
Under the legislation, all tenants named on assured or assured shorthold tenancy agreements created before 1 May 2026 must receive a copy of the government-issued Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet.
Propertymark said some agents may mistakenly believe simply directing tenants to a webpage is sufficient but stressed that this would not meet the legal requirements.
SWEEPING REFORMS
Instead, the information sheet must be physically provided or sent as an electronic attachment, such as a PDF via email.
The warning comes as agents continue grappling with the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May and introduced sweeping reforms to the private rented sector, including the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and major changes to rent increase procedures.
The legislation has significantly increased compliance responsibilities for landlords and agents, with industry bodies warning that firms failing to adapt quickly could face both financial penalties and reputational risk.
COMPLIANCE DEADLINE
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of Propertymark, reckons agents should already be auditing tenancy records to ensure compliance before the deadline expires.
He says: “With the deadline fast approaching, agents should already be reviewing tenancy records and confirming that every named tenant has received the correct documentation in a compliant format.
“Some agents may assume sending a website link is enough; however, the legislation clearly requires the information sheet to be supplied directly, either in print or as an electronic attachment.”
He adds: “Taking action now will help agents avoid unnecessary penalties and demonstrate a professional approach to supporting tenants through these significant legislative changes.”
Propertymark says it continues to provide guidance and compliance resources to members as the sector adjusts to the most significant rental reforms in a generation.
