The Government has released a new 'How to Rent' guide that reminds private landlords in England of their obligation to serve this version at the beginning of any new tenancy or upon renewal.
This requirement has been in place since 2014 when the first version of the 'How to rent: A Checklist for Renting in England' was published. It forced landlords to provide tenants with the latest version of the guide when the first tenancy starts, and on renewal if there are updates to the contents of the guide.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in landlords losing the right to repossess using Section 21 (known as a "no-fault" eviction). Instead, they would have to rely solely on a Section 8 eviction.
The guide has been 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 Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) must be provided to the tenants.
Information on fitting smart meters.
Section in the guide on ensuring the property is suitable if you have a disability.
The new versions of the How to Rent and How to Let guides are available on the gov.uk website here:
Staying up-to-date with the latest versions of the guide is crucial for landlords and agents to meet their obligations towards tenants and prevent any possible issues.
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