The MHCLG has published its official Renters' Rights Act 2025 Information Sheet for landlords and tenants. We explain what it contains, when landlords must provide it, and the key rules on delivery — including the critical Ground 4A student let deadline of 31st May 2026.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published an official Information Sheet on the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This document provides a plain-English overview of the key changes coming into force on 1st May 2026, and is aimed at both private landlords and their tenants.
The Information Sheet is separate from — but sits alongside — the existing How to Rent guide. There are specific rules governing when landlords must provide it, and failing to do so correctly can affect a landlord's ability to serve a valid notice under certain Section 8 possession grounds.
The MHCLG Information Sheet covers:
The Information Sheet clarifies the notice periods landlords must give under the new Section 8 possession framework coming into force on 1st May 2026:
| Ground | Notice Period | Key Condition |
|--------|--------------|---------------|
| Ground 1 (owner-occupation) | 4 months | Not available in the first 12 months of tenancy |
| Ground 1A (landlord sale) | 4 months | Not available in the first 12 months of tenancy |
| Ground 4A (student lets) | 4 months | End date must fall 1 Jun–30 Sep; prior written notice required |
| Ground 8 (rent arrears) | 4 weeks | ≥3 months' arrears required at both notice date AND court hearing |
| Ground 14 (anti-social behaviour) | 2 weeks | — |
| Tenant notice to leave | 2 months | From day one of the tenancy |
One of the most time-sensitive provisions confirmed in the Information Sheet relates to Ground 4A — the possession ground for landlords of student properties. For landlords who want to be able to rely on Ground 4A in relation to their existing tenancies, a written notice confirming intention to rely on this ground must be provided to current tenants by 31st May 2026.
This is a critical and narrow window. Landlords with student let portfolios who have not yet served the required written notice should act immediately — failure to do so before the deadline means Ground 4A will not be available for those tenancies.
The rules on delivery of the Information Sheet broadly mirror those for the How to Rent guide. Landlords (or their agents) must provide the current version:
It is the current version that must be provided. Providing an out-of-date edition does not satisfy the requirement. Landlords should always check the MHCLG website for the most up-to-date edition before signing up a new tenant.
Failure to provide required documentation — including the Government Information Sheet — can prevent a landlord from serving a valid Section 8 notice under certain grounds. Beyond that, landlords who fail to comply with the general obligations set out in the Act face:
Local housing authorities will have enhanced enforcement powers under the Act to investigate complaints and impose penalties.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with current Gov.uk guidance and consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your circumstances.