Quick answer
The How to Rent guide was withdrawn by the government on 1 May 2026 and is no longer up to date. It is kept only for tenancies where a section 21 notice was served before that date. Landlords now give new tenants the required written information about the tenancy before it is agreed, usually in a written tenancy agreement, and gave existing tenants the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
- How to Rent was withdrawn on 1 May 2026.
- New tenancies: landlords must give specified written information before the tenancy is agreed.
- Existing written tenancies: landlords had to give the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
- Failing to give required written information can lead to a fine of up to £7,000.
What the How to Rent guide was
How to Rent was a government checklist for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector in England. It explained what to look for before renting, what to expect during a tenancy, and how a tenancy could end.
Under the old system, landlords had to give the current version to tenants at the start of an assured shorthold tenancy. If they did not, they could not serve a valid section 21 notice. Because section 21 has been abolished, that link no longer exists.
What landlords give tenants now
| Situation | What the landlord must give | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New tenancy from 1 May 2026 | Specified written information about the tenancy terms | Before the tenancy is agreed |
| Existing tenancy with a written agreement | The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet | By 31 May 2026 |
| Existing tenancy that was only verbal | Written information about the key terms | By 31 May 2026 |
For new tenancies, the written information covers the parties, the property, the rent and how it can be increased, bills, the deposit, how the tenancy can end, repairs and safety, pets and disability adaptations. The simplest way to provide it is a written assured periodic tenancy agreement.
Other documents landlords still need to give
The withdrawal of How to Rent does not remove other legal requirements. Landlords should still give or arrange:
- a gas safety record, where there is a gas supply, before the tenant moves in and after each annual check,
- the electrical installation condition report (EICR),
- the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC),
- deposit protection details and prescribed information within 30 days of taking a deposit,
- right to rent checks before the tenancy starts.
See the full landlord responsibilities checklist.
A renting checklist for tenants in England
Much of what How to Rent covered is still good practice. Before you rent:
- Check the advertised rent. Landlords must state a price and cannot accept offers above it.
- Do not pay rent before signing. After signing, no more than 1 month's rent can be taken in advance.
- Check the deposit is no more than 5 weeks' rent (where annual rent is under £50,000).
- Read the written information or agreement carefully. Our checklist for reviewing a draft agreement helps.
- Ask for the gas safety record, EICR and EPC.
- Agree an inventory with dated photos when you move in. See preparing a property inventory.
During the tenancy, pay rent on time, report repairs in writing, and keep copies of messages. You can leave with 2 months' notice.
A letting checklist for landlords
- Advertise with a clear asking rent and do not invite bidding.
- Do not refuse applicants because they receive benefits or have children.
- Carry out right to rent checks on all adults who will live there.
- Give the required written information before the tenancy is agreed.
- Take no rent before signing, and no more than 1 month in advance after.
- Protect the deposit within 30 days.
- Keep safety certificates current and give copies to the tenant.
The written information in detail
For tenancies created from 1 May 2026, government guidance lists the information landlords must give in writing before the tenancy is agreed. It includes:
- names of the landlord and tenants, and an address in England or Wales for serving notices,
- the property address and start date,
- the rent, how often it is paid and the payment day,
- how the rent can be increased,
- which bills are included in the rent, and any bills paid to the landlord separately,
- the deposit amount,
- how the tenant and the landlord can end the tenancy, including any notice of a possession ground given before the tenancy,
- the landlord's duties on repairs, fitness, gas and electrical safety,
- how tenants can ask for consent for pets and disability adaptations.
Our agreement builder asks for each of these, so the finished document covers the full list.
Before and after: How to Rent and the new rules
| Before 1 May 2026 | From 1 May 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main tenant information document | How to Rent guide | Written information or Information Sheet |
| Linked to section 21 validity | Yes | Not applicable, section 21 abolished |
| Penalty for not giving information | Could not serve section 21 | Fines of up to £7,000 |
| Tenancy type | Assured shorthold | Assured periodic |
Where to find current official guidance
GOV.UK now publishes separate overviews of the Renters' Rights Act for tenants and landlords, the Information Sheet for existing tenancies, and guidance on the written information for new tenancies. These replace How to Rent as the main reference. Our Renters' Rights Act summary links to each.
Common questions
Is the How to Rent guide still required?
No. It was withdrawn on 1 May 2026. It is retained only for tenancies where a section 21 notice was served before that date.
What is the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?
A government document explaining the changes to existing tenancies. Landlords with existing written tenancies had to give it to tenants by 31 May 2026.
What happens if a landlord does not give the written information?
The council can fine the landlord, up to £7,000 for failing to give the required written information before a new tenancy.
Where can I download the old How to Rent guide?
It is still on GOV.UK marked as withdrawn, but it is not up to date. Use current GOV.UK guidance on the Renters' Rights Act instead.
Do I need to give the Information Sheet to new tenants?
The Information Sheet was for existing tenancies. New tenancies need the specified written information before the tenancy is agreed, usually in a written agreement.
Official sources
We check these pages against official GOV.UK guidance. This page is general information for England, not legal advice for your situation.
Give tenants the right written information
Our agreement builder covers the written information landlords must give before a new tenancy is agreed.
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