What Landlords Need to Do Before 31 May 2026

The Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) creates a one‑off legal duty: All existing tenants must receive the official Renters’ Rights Information Leaflet by 31 May 2026.

It can be sent by email or post — but you must be able to prove it was served. This matters because failure to provide it could affect future possession claims.

Why the Leaflet Matters

It explains:

• Tenant rights under the RRA
• How Section 13 rent increases work
• The new Ombudsman and PRS Database
• What landlords must provide
• How tenants can raise concerns

Councils and the Ombudsman may ask for evidence that it was issued.

Do Landlords Need New Tenancy Agreements on 1 May 2026?

No. If you already have a written AST signed before 1 May, it remains valid. The tenancy will automatically convert to an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) — no re‑signing required.

When Is a New Agreement Needed?

Only if:

• A brand‑new tenancy starts on or after 1 May 2026
• You choose to issue a new agreement (not usually recommended)
• There is no written AST in place before 1 May

If you don’t have a written agreement, put one in place now.

What Landlords Should Do Now

✔ Identify all existing tenants ✔ Serve the RRA Information Leaflet (keep evidence) ✔ Check you have a written AST ✔ Update processes for new APT‑compliant tenancies ✔ Keep a digital audit trail

Common Questions

Do I need to re‑sign tenants on 1 May? No — written ASTs remain valid.

Do I need to serve the leaflet again later? No — it’s a one‑off requirement.

What if a tenant won’t acknowledge it? Service is what matters. Email it and keep the timestamp.

Why This Matters

The RRA signals a shift toward:

• Higher professional standards
• Stronger tenant rights
• More enforcement
• Better documentation

Serving the leaflet is simple — but missing the deadline could cause major problems later.

Need Support?

Binformed provides:

• RRA training
• Updated templates
• Compliance checklists
• Guidance on the leaflet requirement

Visit Binformed.co.uk or email [email protected] for help staying compliant.