What is the ‘How to Rent’ guide and why is it so important?
By law the current version of the Governments How to rent guide needs to be provided to the tenant when a new assured shorthold tenancy starts. There is no requirement to provide the document again if the assured shorthold tenancy is renewed UNLESS the document has been updated.
What is the ‘How to Rent’ guide?
The ‘How to Rent’ guide is an online government document that all tenants must be provided at the start, or renewal of their tenancy, if the document has been updated.
The guide is for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities.
It provides a checklist and detailed information on each stage of the process, including:
· what to look out for before renting
· living in a rented home
· what happens at the end of a tenancy
· what to do if things go wrong
The landlord or the letting agent should give the CURRENT version of the How to rent guide to the tenant when a new assured shorthold tenancy starts. Whilst there is no requirement for them to provide the document again if the tenancy is renewed, if it has been updated it will need to be reissued.
Why is the guide so important?
Failure to serve the current version of the guide will lead to a Landlords notice for possession being invalid!
The tenant should always receive the latest version. This can be download here: ‘How to Rent’ guide
In regards to how tenants should receive the document, this is entirely up to the landlord. Some landlords print and send the document to the tenant’s property. However, we would always recommend emailing tenants the latest link to the document, as well as ensuring you have a signed document that confirms they have received it as proof.
If you are unsure about the guide or what you should do please do not hesitate to contact our office - we are here and ready to help.