Landlords Could Be Fined £7,000 for Not Providing This Mandatory Tenant Document

Landlords could face fines of up to £7,000 if they fail to provide tenants with a mandatory written information document under the Renters’ Rights Act, which is due to come into force on 1 May 2026.

The requirement is set out in a draft statutory instrument published by the government. As it stands, the document confirms what information landlords will be required to give tenants and when it must be served.

It is important to note that this document is currently in draft form and is subject to change before it becomes law.

What Is the New Requirement?

From 1 May 2026, landlords will be required to provide tenants with a Written Statement of Terms and Information.

This document can either be included within the tenancy agreement itself or served as a separate written document. What matters is that the required information is provided in writing.

The requirement will apply to:

• All new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026

• Existing tenancies, including those that were originally agreed verbally

Failure to provide this document may lead to enforcement action by the local authority, with financial penalties of up to £7,000.

When Must the Document Be Served?

For new tenancies, the written information must be given to the tenant before the tenancy begins.

For existing tenancies, landlords will be required to supply the document within a specified period once the regulations take effect on 1 May 2026.

Local authorities will be responsible for enforcement. Failure to serve the document may also affect a landlord’s ability to take certain legal steps later, including possession action.

What Information Must Be Included?

The draft regulations state that the written statement must clearly set out key details about the tenancy, including:

• The full names of the landlord and tenant

• The address of the rented property

• The date the tenant is entitled to occupy the property

• The rent amount and how often it must be paid

• Which bills are included in the rent and which are payable separately

• Any tenancy deposit taken and the amount

• How and when rent can be increased

• How the tenancy can be legally brought to an end

• A statement explaining how rent increases must be served (section 13 procedures)

• Statements about notice requirements to end the tenancy under the Housing Act 1988

• Fitness for human habitation obligations if applicabl

The intention is to ensure tenants receive clear and consistent information about their tenancy from the outset.

Why the £7,000 Fine Matters

Local authorities already have powers to issue civil penalties for housing related offences. Under the Renters’ Rights Act framework, failure to provide mandatory tenancy information is treated as a serious breach.

Councils may impose fines of up to £7,000, particularly where a landlord fails to comply after being notified or where non compliance is repeated.

Enforcement activity is expected to increase once the reforms come into force in May 2026.

This Is a Draft Document

The statutory instrument setting out these requirements is currently in draft form and may be amended before it becomes law.

Landlords should be aware that while the core direction of travel is clear, the final wording and enforcement approach may change.

The draft document can be viewed in full

here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69678c3cb122b8f5f68d0d80/Draft_Statutory_Instrument_written_information_for_your_tenant.pdf