How to Rent guide: historical proof of service

The government’s How to Rent publication was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 and is no longer up to date. It remains available for tenancies where a Section 21 notice was served before that date. Do not use it as the current document checklist for a new private assured tenancy in England.

What to give tenants now

For a new tenancy under the post-May rules, provide the prescribed written information before signing or otherwise agreeing the tenancy. It can be included in the agreement or supplied separately.

For most pre-May tenancies with wholly or partly written terms, the deadline to supply the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet was 31 May 2026. Older wholly oral tenancies instead needed the prescribed written terms by that date. Particular tenancies held under the old rules by a valid notice or proceedings have separate transition timings.

See written information for tenants for the current distinctions and links to the official documents. Serving the withdrawn How to Rent booklet does not replace these duties.

Why keep the old guide and service evidence?

For an eligible historical assured shorthold tenancy, service of the appropriate How to Rent edition was one of the requirements relevant to a Section 21 claim. Keep the actual edition supplied, the tenancy dates and evidence of delivery. Do not replace the historical file with a later edition and describe that as proof of earlier service.

New Section 21 notices were prohibited from 1 May 2026. Claims on earlier eligible notices had to start by the earlier applicable deadline, no later than 31 July 2026. An existing claim started in time may continue; it is not an opportunity to issue a new notice now.

The official historical possession guidance sets out the old requirements and continuing court process. Obtain advice on disputed service or a live claim.

A useful historical record

• The edition of the booklet actually given to the tenant.
• Recipient, delivery date and method.
• The email and attachment, postal evidence or signed receipt, where available.
• The agreement and notice dates.
• Court records showing when any claim was started.

A delivery log or tenant acknowledgement helps organise evidence but does not guarantee a court outcome. Use the tenant document service log and document vault to keep the files together.

Can I just email a link to the new Information Sheet?

No. GOV.UK requires the exact official PDF to be sent as an attachment or supplied as a printed copy. A link alone is not valid delivery. This requirement is specific to the Information Sheet; check the service rules for each other document separately.

What if I missed the May deadline?

Check which requirement and transition timetable apply to your tenancy, supply what is outstanding promptly and record the real delivery date. Do not backdate evidence. Late delivery does not erase a past breach.