NEW ‘How to Rent: A Checklist for Renting in England’

Landlords in England are reminded that they must provide the latest version of the ‘How to Rent: a checklist for renting in England’ guide to their tenants when starting, renewing or updating existing tenancies.

This guide is mandatory for landlords in England to provide to their tenants when starting or renewing a tenancy, as it forms part of the prescribed information they must issue and failure to do so could result in loss of the right to repossess with Section 21.

RENTING A HOME PRIVATELY

The guide is for people who are renting a home privately under an assured shorthold tenancy, either direct from a landlord or through a letting agency. Most of it will equally apply if tenants are in a shared property but, in certain cases, their rights and responsibilities will vary.

The guide does not cover lodgers (people who live with their landlord) or people with licences (such as many property guardians) – nor tenants where the property is not their main or only home.

NEW VERSIONS ANNOUNCED

The updated guide includes information on installing carbon monoxide alarms, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and smart meters, as well as details on suitable provisions for tenants with disabilities.

The ‘How to rent: A checklist for renting in England’ covers:

• Assured shorthold tenancies
• Before you start Looking for your new home
• When you’ve found a place Living in your rented home
• At the end of the fixed period
• If things go wrong
• Further sources of information

The new versions of the ‘How to Rent and How to Let’ guides are available on the gov.uk website.

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisers are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.