Confusion over a new mandatory tenant information sheet could result in landlords and letting agents being fined up to £7,000, a property ombudsman has warned.

Sean Hooker (pictured), Head of Redress at Property Redress, says property owners and agents must be clear who is responsible for issuing the document to renters.

The Renters’ Rights Act ‘Official Information Sheet’ that landlords and their agents must give to tenants was issued by the Government last week.

£7,000 fine

The document explains to tenants how they will be affected by the changes introduced by the Act. It covers changes to Section 21 notices, increasing rents, changes to fixed terms, ending a tenancy, student lets and keeping a pet.

It must be given by 31 May 2026 or there could be a fine of up to £7,000.

This is a good example of where confusion could arise between landlords and agents.”

Hooker (pictured) says: “We now have the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet and clear guidance on how and by when landlords must serve it, but a gap could emerge where landlords assume their agent is handling it, while agents may think they need to be explicitly instructed and otherwise assume the landlord will deal with it.

“This is a good example of where confusion could arise between landlords and agents.

“Agents have a mandatory duty to make sure the Information Sheet is served to the tenant, even if the landlord has also provided it,” he says.

“They do not necessarily need specific instruction. If you are acting on behalf of the landlord, the safest approach is to serve it.”