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Do I still need to serve a How to Rent guide?

Last verified 23 October 2026

No, not for most tenancies. In England, the How to Rent guide was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 because of the Renters' Rights Act. GOV.UK keeps it only for tenancies where the landlord served a section 21 notice before that date.

For tenancies with a written agreement made before 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents had to give every tenant named on the agreement a copy of The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. If an agent manages the property, the agent must give it. Lodgers do not need it. If you gave a valid section 8 or section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, you have one month after the notice stops being valid, or the court process ends, if the tenancy becomes an assured periodic tenancy.

For new tenancies from 1 May 2026, you must give tenants certain written information about the key terms of the tenancy before the agreement is signed or otherwise agreed. Missing these duties can lead to a fine from the council. These rules apply in England only.

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General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.