What Is the Government Information Sheet?
The Government Information Sheet is a statutory prescribed document produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). It sets out the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Phase 1 (in effect since 1 May 2026).
The document covers key topics including:
- Tenant's right to remain in the property and security of tenure
- How to request changes to the tenancy (e.g. pet requests)
- Rent increase procedures and the 12-month rule
- Landlord's obligation to maintain the property in good condition
- The process for making complaints to the First-Tier Tribunal
- The landlord's legal obligations regarding deposits, repairs, and standards
- Contact information for local authorities and ombudsmen
This is NOT a document produced by SunClause. It is the official government document, available freely from GOV.UK. You cannot substitute it with your own information sheet or a summary.
Who Must Receive the Information Sheet?
The information sheet must be given to:
- All existing tenants in assured tenancies in England (by 31 May 2026 — this deadline has now passed)
- All new tenants starting tenancies from 1 May 2026 onwards (at the start of the tenancy)
- Tenants in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must each receive a copy
- All joint tenants must receive a copy
Who does NOT need to receive it:
- Lodgers (non-assured occupiers)
- Regulated tenants under the Rent Act 1977 (these are very rare)
- Secure tenants (council/housing association properties)
- Licences rather than tenancies
- Holiday lets
- Tenancies outside England (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have different regimes)
When Must It Be Given?
| Tenant Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Existing tenants (in occupation before 1 May 2026) | By 31 May 2026 (this deadline has now passed) |
| New tenants (starting tenancy on or after 1 May 2026) | At the start of the tenancy (before rent is due) |
Where to Get the Information Sheet
The Information Sheet is available on GOV.UK at no cost. You must download it directly from the government website. Do not use an unofficial version or a paraphrased summary.
Steps to obtain it:
- Go to www.gov.uk
- Search for "Renters' Rights Act information sheet"
- Download the PDF (usually available in both standard and large-print formats)
- Print copies or save as PDF for email distribution
How to Serve the Information Sheet
Acceptable methods of service include:
- Hand delivery: Give a physical copy to the tenant in person.
- Post: Send by regular or recorded delivery.
- Email: Send a PDF copy if the tenant has agreed to electronic service.
- Via a letting agent: Ensure they serve the sheet on your behalf.
- Via the tenancy application process: Provide the sheet during the move-in process for new tenancies.
Prescribed Written Information (SI 2026/324)
In addition to the Government Information Sheet, you must also serve prescribed written information as set out in The Assured Tenancies (Relevant Information) (England) Order 2026 (SI 2026/324).
Under SI 2026/324, landlords must provide prescribed written information covering 6 categories. The toolkit includes a complete audit checklist for this requirement.
What Happens If You Don't Serve It?
The consequences of failing to serve the Information Sheet are serious:
| Consequence | Details |
|---|---|
| Civil fine | Up to £7,000 per breach. For example, if you fail to serve 5 tenants, you face fines up to £35,000. |
| Repeat breaches | Up to £40,000 for each repeat offence (e.g. second or subsequent failures). |
| Cannot serve Section 8 notice | You cannot serve a valid Section 8 notice to a tenant until the Information Sheet has been provided to them. This means you cannot evict them legally. |
| Tenant can report you | A tenant can report the breach to the local authority, triggering an investigation and enforcement action. |
| Damages claim | A tenant may be able to claim damages for breach of statutory duty. |
Are You Compliant? Check Now
Phase 1 is in force. The 31 May deadline for the Information Sheet has passed — non-compliance could cost you up to £7,000 per tenant. The SunClause PDF Toolkit includes:
- A checklist for serving the Information Sheet (print and tick off)
- A template service record (for logging which tenants have received the sheet and when)
- Prescribed written information template (compliant with SI 2026/324)
- Email templates for serving the sheet electronically
- Guidance on what to do if a tenant claims they never received it
Common Questions About the Information Sheet
Can I serve the Information Sheet electronically?
Yes, but only if the tenant has agreed to electronic service and has provided an email address. Keep the email as proof. Do not send it through an insecure method; use a reliable email system and request delivery confirmation if possible.
What if a tenant claims they didn't receive it?
This is why proof of service is essential. If you sent by post (recorded delivery), you have the tracking number. If by email, you have the email record. If by hand, you have a signature. These records protect you if a dispute arises.
The toolkit covers additional scenarios including joint tenants, agent obligations, and record-keeping requirements.
Practical Steps: Checklist for Compliance
The toolkit includes a step-by-step compliance checklist for the Information Sheet, covering every action you need to take — from downloading the correct version to documenting proof of service.
The SunClause toolkit includes the complete Information Sheet workflow with service tracking, proof-of-delivery templates, and a property-by-property register.
Get the Toolkit — £9.99
Not Legal Advice
This guide is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Requirements and circumstances vary. If you have specific questions about your tenancy or your obligations, consult a solicitor or a qualified letting agent.
Last reviewed: 9 June 2026
Sources: GOV.UK, Renters' Rights Act 2025 (c. 26), The Assured Tenancies (Relevant Information) (England) Order 2026 (SI 2026/324)