How to Rent guide withdrawn: what landlords must give tenants now
Last updated 24 Oct 2026
Gov.uk withdrew the How to Rent guide on 1 May 2026. For tenancies in England, landlords must now give tenants written information about the key terms of the tenancy instead. This page covers England only.
What changed
- The guide was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 because of changes from the Renters' Rights Act.
- Gov.uk says the guide is not up to date and points to its guidance on assured periodic tenancies.
- Gov.uk keeps the old guide only for tenancies where the landlord served a section 21 notice before 1 May 2026.
What to give tenants now
Which document you give depends on when the tenancy was agreed. Gov.uk's guidance on written information sets out three cases.
| Tenancy | What to give each tenant | When |
|---|---|---|
| Agreed on or after 1 May 2026 | Written information about the key terms. It can sit in the written agreement or be sent separately. | Before you sign the agreement or otherwise agree the tenancy |
| Signed before 1 May 2026, with a written record | "The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026", printed or as a PDF | By 31 May 2026 |
| Agreed before 1 May 2026, entirely verbally | Written information about the key terms. The Information Sheet cannot be used. | By 31 May 2026 |
The content of the written information is set by the Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026.
If you missed 31 May 2026
Gov.uk says a tenant can complain to the local council, and a landlord could be fined up to £7,000 for not providing the required information. The pages we checked give no later deadline, so giving the document now is the safer course.
Safety paperwork is a separate duty
Withdrawing How to Rent does not change your safety duties. These come from different rules and have their own deadlines:
- Gas safety: each existing tenant must get a copy of the gas safety check record within 28 days of the check, and a new tenant before they move in. See gas safety certificate rules.
- Electrical safety: a new tenant must get the latest electrical report before they move in, and an existing tenant within 28 days of testing. See EICR rules for landlords.
Track the dates that do recur
Written information is given once. Gas safety certificates fall due every year and electrical reports every five years at most. Letbook tracks your gas safety certificate and EICR dates for you and emails you before they lapse. Sign up free.
Sources
- How to rent: the checklist for renting in England (withdrawn 1 May 2026), GOV.UK
- Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant, GOV.UK
- Assured periodic tenancies: a guide for landlords, GOV.UK
- SI 2026/324, legislation.gov.uk
This page is general information, not legal advice.