In 2015, the government launched a ‘How to Rent’ guide for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector. The purpose of this guide is to help both tenants and landlords better understand their rights and responsibilities, and provide more detailed information about each stage of the renting process. The guide covers topics 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
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to provide your tenants with the most up-to-date version of the How to Rent guide at the start of any new tenancy. Not doing so could cause difficulties should you try to serve a section 21 notice against your tenants in the future - although the section 21 notice may be abolished later this year due to new government legislation.
Download the most recent version of the How to Rent Guide here.
But remember, providing supplementary information to your tenants when they move in doesn’t just have to be a legality.
Providing useful paperwork - such as local transport routes, tourist leaflets and information on local amenities - could be one small step towards building a great relationship with your tenant from day one.
• If they’re new to the area, provide a local map that highlights interesting landmarks • Give them an inventory of all of the items in the property, as well as a note of their current condition to avoid deposit disputes • A copy of the property’s gas safety certificate (this one actually is a legal requirement) • Written instructions on how to use and maintain appliances around the house – such as how to read meters or bleed radiators. • Emergency contact numbers (such as the details of your home emergency insurance provider)
Find out more about building a better relationship with your tenant.
Last updated: 10/01/2020