The May 2026 edition of the How to Rent guide must be provided to all new tenants and at each new tenancy. Landlords using an older edition are not compliant. Failure to provide the current edition can affect the validity of possession proceedings.
The government published a new edition of the How to Rent guide in May 2026 to reflect the commencement of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords are required to provide the current edition at the start of every assured tenancy.
Providing an outdated edition of the How to Rent guide does not satisfy the statutory requirement. Courts have considered failure to provide the current guide when assessing possession claims. Always download the latest version directly from gov.uk before issuing it to a new tenant.
The May 2026 edition reflects the abolition of Section 21, the new periodic tenancy framework, updated Section 8 grounds, and the source of income discrimination ban.
Action required
Download the May 2026 edition from gov.uk and use it for all new tenancies. If you have existing tenants who received an older version, provide the updated guide at the next opportunity.
Effective
1 May 2026
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.