The Renters' Rights Act 2025 requires all existing tenants in England to receive a new prescribed information leaflet explaining the changes to their rights and the periodic tenancy system. The deadline for existing tenants was 31 May 2026. For any new tenancy started after 1 May 2026, the leaflet must be served at the start of the tenancy.
If you missed the 31 May deadline, serve the leaflet immediately - late service is better than non-service, and it demonstrates good faith if you're ever subject to enforcement action.
What is the tenant information leaflet?
The tenant information leaflet is a prescribed document (similar in concept to the "How to Rent" guide that landlords have been required to serve for years) that explains:
- The new periodic tenancy system and what it means for the tenant
- The tenant's rights under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
- How the Awaab's Law maintenance process works and how to report hazards
- The Section 13 rent increase process and the tenant's right to challenge
- The tenant's enhanced right to request a pet
- How to contact the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
- How to contact their local council if they have concerns about the property's condition
Who must receive it?
- All existing tenants (those with tenancies in force on 1 May 2026) - deadline was 31 May 2026
- All new tenants (any tenancy started after 1 May 2026) - must be served at the start of the tenancy
There is no exemption for tenants who have lived in the property for many years, or for landlords with only one property. Every tenant in England's private rented sector must receive this document.
How must it be served?
The leaflet can be served by:
- Email - to the tenant's email address (recommended - provides a timestamp and delivery confirmation)
- Physical delivery - posting through the letterbox or handing in person
- First class post - deemed served two business days after posting
You must keep evidence of service. If you serve by email, keep the sent email (not just a draft). If by post, obtain a certificate of posting or use tracked mail.
What happens if I don't serve it?
Failure to serve the information leaflet is a compliance failure that:
- May affect your ability to rely on certain Section 8 grounds for possession - similar to how failure to serve a "How to Rent" guide has historically affected Section 21 notices
- Could be a factor in enforcement action by the local council
- Could be raised by a tenant in a Tribunal or Ombudsman complaint as evidence of your general non-compliance
It is not typically a standalone criminal offence, but its absence in your documentation will damage your credibility in any dispute.
Is the government's prescribed version the only option?
The government publishes the prescribed format. You must use this - you cannot replace it with your own version, though you can add covering information. If you're a letting agent, you can serve the prescribed leaflet alongside a branded covering letter from your agency.
PropReady generates the current prescribed information leaflet, pre-addressed to your tenant, as part of the document suite for each property.
What about the "How to Rent" guide?
The How to Rent guide (a pre-existing requirement) remains in force. You must continue to serve the most current version at the start of each tenancy. As of 2026, the How to Rent guide has been updated to reflect the Renters' Rights Act - make sure you're serving the updated version, not the pre-May 2026 edition.
The new information leaflet and the How to Rent guide are two separate documents. You need to serve both.
Quick action checklist
- ☐ Download the current prescribed information leaflet from the government website (or generate via PropReady)
- ☐ List all your current tenants and their email addresses
- ☐ Send the leaflet to every tenant by email with a clear subject line (e.g., "Important: Your tenancy rights under the Renters' Rights Act 2025")
- ☐ Store proof of service (sent email, certificate of posting) in your records for each property
- ☐ Add a reminder to serve the updated How to Rent guide at the start of all future tenancies
- ☐ Set up a process to serve the information leaflet automatically to all new tenants going forward
Generate and send the information leaflet in one click
PropReady generates the prescribed information leaflet pre-addressed to your tenant. Click send - Resend emails it directly and logs the service date automatically in your audit trail.
Start your free 14-day trial →Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a solicitor or contact the NRLA.