The written statement and the information sheet: which one, and how to serve it
Since the Renters' Rights Act, every assured tenancy owes the tenant either the written information about its key terms or the government's information sheet, and which one depends on when and how the tenancy began. Giving the wrong one, or the right one with no proof, is an easy gap to leave.
Which one is yours?
A tenancy created on or after 1 May 2026: the written information about its key terms, given before you sign the tenancy agreement or otherwise agree the tenancy. It can be part of a written tenancy agreement or given separately. A tenancy signed before 1 May 2026, with a written agreement: the government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, due by 31 May 2026. A tenancy agreed only by word of mouth before 1 May 2026: not the sheet, but the written information about its key terms, also due by 31 May 2026. Missing either can mean a fine of up to £7,000.
For the written information, you don't need the law's exact wording, but it must cover every item that applies to your tenancy, including a postal address in England or Wales where the tenant can send you legal notices.
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How to give the information sheet
Give it to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement, either as a printed copy posted or handed over, or as the PDF attached to an email or a text message. Use the copy published on GOV.UK.
Give the exact PDF downloaded from GOV.UK: emailing or texting a link to it doesn't count. If a letting agent manages the home for you, GOV.UK says the agent must give the sheet too, even if you have. Lodgers don't get the sheet, and for the information sheet you don't have to change or reissue an existing written tenancy agreement.
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Keep the proof
Keep evidence of when you gave it: a dated covering email, a signed acknowledgement, or a photo of the handover. If you can't put a date on when it was given, treat it as not given and give it now.
What it costs to miss
GOV.UK says you could be fined up to £7,000 for not giving the information sheet; the government's guidance to councils sets £4,000 as the starting point for that civil penalty.