Since the Government produced the tenant information sheet, which provides existing tenants under the Renters Rights Act, you will no doubt already been contacted by some of your tenants.
The tenant information sheet is a key document which must be served to all existing tenants before the 31st May to comply with the Renters Reform Act. This is a four page sheet which can be downloaded direct from the Government.
It outlines all the new rules on;
• Possession and notice periods
• The abolition of the fixed term
• Rent increases
• The right to keep a pet
• The student let
It is worth pointing out that there is nothing in this document that is new and that these changes are already outlined. Please don’t hesitate to sign up to our newsletter.
Be aware this is mandatory to give to your tenants and failure to do so could give you a £7,000 fine. However, this can also go up to £40,000 if you fail to serve it within 28 days and are identified as a repeat offender.
What do the rules actually say?
The rules apply to assured and assured shorthold tenancies on or before 1st May this year. This is irrelevant whether you have a written or verbal contract.
It is important this information sheet is provided to tenants.
How can I prove I have served these mandatory documents?
It is important you have a proper paper trail of proof should anything go wrong.
We would suggest that you provide a document that allows the tenants to acknowledge that they have received it.
Your tenants can either do the following:
A) Print a hard copy and post it and/or hand it to your tenants in person.
B) Send a PDF document attached to an email or text message.
However, sending the document Government link is not sufficient. You have to serve the actual information sheet itself. We believe you also need to ensure that you have it acknowledged.
We would suggest sending it with a cover letter and/or asking for a receipt and make sure you chase it up with your tenant.
If they don’t wish to sign it then you would need to either provide proof of postage with the correct address, a witness statement stating you have served it on the tenant and/or a time stamped photograph posting it through the letter box.
If your tenancy agreement allows for service via email, you can email it to them.
What if they don’t reply?
If your tenants don’t respond to the email then you should follow up by texting them to confirm you have sent it and ask for confirmation of receipt and also checking their email addresses are correct.
When doing this be aware of the 31st May deadline and be sure to follow up the initial email. If you make a phone call and speak to them direct and they confirm they have acknowledged it then make a note of the call.
Are there any exemptions?
Not as such, although there are specific rules if you are in the middle of a possession claim at the point of which the Renters Reform Act comes into force known as the transitional rules for possession claims.
These rules let affected tenancies continue as ASTs after 1st May, and in such cases, landlords must serve the information sheet or written statement within one month after the tenants stop being ASTs.
Protecting Your Investment — Insurance Related to Rent & Pets
In addition to compliance with the tenant information sheet, many landlords consider additional protection for their property income and against tenant damage caused by pets.
Rent Guarantee Insurance
To safeguard your rental income if tenants default on their rent, rent guarantee insurance is available as part of specialist landlord cover. This type of policy protects you if a tenant fails to pay rent under the terms of the tenancy agreement. You can find out more about this rent guarantee insurance and how it works on the iInsure365 site here:
What Is Rent Guarantee Insurance and How Does It Work? — https://iinsure365.co.uk/what-is-rent-guarantee-insurance-and-how-does-it-work/
You should get a policy in place before tenants fall into arrears to ensure your claims remain valid and your property stays protected.
Pet Damage Cover / Pet Policy
As tenants increasingly request permission to keep pets, it’s worth understanding how insurance can help protect against pet‑related damage. iInsure365 explains landlord’s insurance for tenant pet damage including how pet damage insurance works and when it may be appropriate for your cover:
Landlord’s Insurance for Tenant Pet Damage — https://iinsure365.co.uk/landlords-insurance-for-tenant-pet-damage/
This type of cover is especially useful when you allow pets under the tenancy and want to protect your property against any damage they may cause.
Get an Instant Quote
If you don’t yet have the right insurance in place — for rent guarantee, pet damage or other landlord risks — you can request an instant quote from iInsure365 to see what cover is available. This lets you compare solutions tailored to your property and needs:
Instant Quote and Insurance Options — https://iinsure365.co.uk/ (Look for the “Instant Quote” section)
Or go straight to their quote submission form here:
Get a Quote Form — https://iinsure365.co.uk/get-quote/
Having appropriate landlord insurance can provide peace of mind and additional protection in a market where tenant rights and responsibilities are rapidly evolving.