New 'How to Rent' Guide - Important Information for Landlords

News at Kerr & Co | 17/03/2023

New 'How to Rent' Guide - Important Information for Landlords

A new 'How to Rent' guide has been released by Government last week, if you are new to the rental market or a recent landlord it is wise to make yourself familiar with the version at the start of any new tenancy or on renewal.

What is 'The How to Rent Guide'

The How to Rent guide is an online government document providing advice to current and prospective tenants on the rental process in England and Wales. It details their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as the legal obligations of landlords.
READ MORE How to Rent Guide Gov.uk

Rules were brought in eight years ago making it mandatory for landlords in England to provide the private rented sector to help understand their rights and responsibilities.

It provides also give a checklist and more 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 How to Rent Guide is issued to tenants when the first tenancy starts – and on renewal if there has been an update to the contents of the guide. It forms part of the prescribed information landlords must issue, and if they do not, they lose the right to repossess using Section 21.

The guide has been recently updated to reflect some recent legal changes, including:

The requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in every room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance.
The requirement for EICRs must be provided to the tenants.
In addition, it also contains information on fitting smart meters and there is a section in the guide on ensuring the property is suitable if you have a disability.