The Government has now published draft regulations setting out the information that must be included in all new assured tenancies granted from 1 May 2026, as part of the Renters’ Rights Act reforms.

While these regulations are still in draft form, they have been released early to give landlords and letting agents time to prepare. Although minor amendments are possible, the overall framework is not expected to change significantly.

At Maddisons Residential, we are already reviewing and updating our tenancy agreements, documentation and internal processes to ensure everything is fully compliant, well ahead of the new deadlines — and to make the transition as smooth and stress‑free as possible for our landlords.

Importantly, landlords or agents who fail to provide tenants with the required information by 31 May 2026 may face financial penalties of up to £7,000. Our role is to ensure you remain protected and compliant at all times.

Which Tenancies Are Affected?

New tenancy agreements from 1 May 2026

The draft regulations apply only to assured tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026.

Any new tenancy granted after this date must contain specific prescribed information within the written agreement itself.

Existing tenancies

Tenancy agreements that are already in place on 1 May 2026 are not required to be rewritten.

However, the Government has confirmed that landlords will need to provide existing tenants with a separate Information Sheet, explaining how the new legislation affects their tenancy. This Information Sheet is expected to be published in March 2026 and must be served by 31 May 2026.

Where a tenancy currently exists as a verbal agreement only, the required information must still be provided to the tenant in writing by 31 May 2026.

 

 

What Information Must Be Included in New Tenancy Agreements?

The proposed requirements will feel familiar to landlords who already use comprehensive, professionally drafted tenancy agreements. In summary, new agreements must clearly set out the following:

 

The parties to the tenancy

  • The name of the landlord, or all joint landlords
  • The name of the tenant, or all joint tenants
  • The full address of the rental property

Start of the tenancy

  • The date on which the tenant is entitled to take possession of the property

 

Rent and rent increases

  • The rent payable and when it is due
  • Confirmation that any future rent increase must follow the statutory process under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988

Utilities and bills

  • Whether bills are included within the rent or payable separately
  • Where payable separately, how the tenant will be informed of amounts due, how often, and when payment is required

 

Tenancy deposit

  • The amount of any deposit taken

 

 

 

 

Ending the tenancy

  • The minimum notice period the tenant must give
  • Confirmation that a landlord can only end the tenancy by:
    • Serving the appropriate notice,
    • Relying on a lawful ground for possession, and
    • Obtaining a court order for possession

Property condition and repairs

  • Confirmation that the landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is fit for human habitation
  • An obligation to keep the structure and key installations in proper repair
  • A requirement to maintain gas and electrical safety standards

Equality and reasonable adjustments

  • Information explaining a tenant’s right, under the Equality Act 2010, to request reasonable changes where they are disabled
  • Confirmation that consent must not be unreasonably withheld

Pets

  • Confirmation that tenants may request permission to keep a pet during the tenancy
  • Clarification that consent should not be unreasonably refused

 

What Happens Next?

These draft regulations apply only to new tenancies from 1 May 2026. Further guidance for existing tenancies is expected shortly, and we will keep our landlords fully informed as soon as the Government publishes the official Information Sheet in March.

In the meantime, Maddisons Residential is proactively updating all relevant documentation and procedures to ensure:

  • Full legal compliance
  • Clear, transparent communication with tenants
  • Continued protection for our landlords

If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your property or portfolio, or would like to discuss future lettings in more detail, our team is always here to help.

Maddisons Residential
Professional. Proactive. Fully compliant.