31 May 2026 is the deadline many landlords will miss—not because it’s complicated, but because it doesn’t feel dramatic like the big May changes.
It’s an admin deadline, but it matters because it is a simple compliance test:
- Did you provide the required information?
- Can you prove you did?
This post explains what 31 May means for landlords and tenants, and how to comply with a clean audit trail.
Scope: England.
What landlords must do by 31 May 2026
Landlords must ensure that existing tenants receive the required Information Sheet explaining the new tenancy framework.
Where a tenancy was agreed verbally (no written agreement), landlords must also provide a written summary of the main terms.
Why the deadline exists
The purpose is clarity. In a changing legal landscape:
- tenants need to understand how notice, rent changes, and rights work,
- landlords benefit from fewer misunderstandings and fewer disputes.
What it means for landlords
1) It’s a compliance requirement with an evidence burden
Sending the information is only half the job—proof of delivery is the other half.
2) It reduces dispute risk if handled properly
Tenants with clear written information are less likely to act on rumours or misunderstandings.
3) Verbal tenancies are a high-risk category
If terms aren’t written down, disputes become more likely. This deadline forces clarity.
What it means for tenants
- clearer understanding of rights and responsibilities,
- clearer notice expectations,
- and more confidence about what the “new system” means for them.
How landlords should comply (best practice)
Step 1: Categorise your tenancies
- Written agreement exists → send the Information Sheet
- Verbal/no written terms → send Information Sheet + written key terms
Step 2: Choose a delivery method you can evidence
- Email with saved sent copies
- Post with proof of posting
- Portal delivery with timestamp and notification record
Step 3: Keep a completion tracker
Include:
- address
- tenant name(s)
- date sent
- delivery method
- proof reference
Step 4: Create a written key terms template (for verbal tenancies)
Include:
- parties’ names
- property address
- rent and payment frequency
- start date
- deposit details (if applicable)
- who pays utilities/council tax (where applicable)
- any key agreed terms (e.g., bills included)
Bottom line
31 May 2026 is an admin deadline—but it’s also an early “professionalism test.”
Landlords who treat it like an audit exercise will be better protected later if disputes or complaints arise.
Disclaimer: NetRent does not provide legal advice. This article is for general information only and represents our understanding of rental property law.
Contact: 01352 721300 | support@netrent.co.uk