What is the ‘How to Rent’ guide, why do tenants need it and how can you use it to your advantage when renting property?
- Failing to give your new tenants a copy of the ‘How to Rent’ guide, or a link to it, can cause problems with Section 21 notices
- 2023 has seen several changes to the guide, which must be noted and actioned
- Landlords do not need to share the updated copy with existing tenants
What is a ‘How to Rent’ guide?
In March 2023, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government updated the ‘How to Rent’ guide for every landlord to share with tenants in the private rented sector.
The online document details the tenants' rights and responsibilities and the landlord's legal obligations. Thoroughly reading the ‘How to Rent’ guide 2023 will ensure you, the landlord, are up to date information for renting a property.
Changes to the 2023 guide
Each year there are changes to the guide, making each update a vital read for tenants and landlords. In 2023, there have been several significant changes to take note of and action as a landlord.
Updates for 2023 include:
- It is mandatory to have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within the property where a combustible gas appliance is situated, excluding gas cookers.
- Tenants can request reasonable adjustments to make their homes more accessible.
- The landlord must organise the 5-year electrical check and have it carried out by "a qualified and competent person."
- Landlords should not unreasonably prevent smart meters unless the tenancy agreement states tenants need permission to alter metering.
- Landlords must provide evidence that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order at the start of the tenancy. The guide states that it is the tenant's responsibility to check they are in working order throughout the tenancy.
Sharing the guide with tenants
The most updated version is from March 2023, and you can find it here.
You must share the ‘How to Rent’ guide 2023 as a hard copy with the tenancy agreement or via email as a PDF. With the same link for each annual update, your tenant can keep updated with changes.
If you have a long-term tenant in place, you only need to serve them with the most up to date guide at the start of their agreement – you won't need to supply a new one with each update.
Failing to provide the guide
The guide is an important document that you must give to your tenants. If you fail to provide your tenant with a ‘How to Rent’ guide, you will be unable to repossess your property and serve a Section 21 notice – should you need to.
Landlord advantages
As a landlord, you can take advantage of the guide and use it as a checklist. Referring to the document shows all the legal documentation, licenses, insurance, and checks you're required to have. It will also ensure you're up to date with what a tenant can reasonably request.
For example, it may prompt you to:
- See that your landlord's insurance is correct
- Check the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working
- Make sure that you have all the required certifications and up to date documents, e.g. gas certificate
Required tenancy documentation
Bringing the documentation together at the start of a tenancy, and providing annual updates where necessary, are important tasks that require attention to avoid legal complications.
Documents you must share with the tenant, as outlined in the ‘How to Rent’ guide 2023, include:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Deposit paperwork
- Valid Gas Safety Certificate
- Copy of the property license (where required)
- Copy of Electrical Installation Condition Report
- How to Rent Guide (most recent)
- Evidence that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order at the start of the tenancy
Expert landlord guidance
From right to rent checks to providing correct documentation and inspecting properties, there’s much to consider when managing an investment property.
Whether you’re looking for expert advice from our team of Central London estate agents or to rent your London properties, we can help you manage your investment and get the most from it.
Contact the team today.
