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The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has published new ‘how to’ guides including the ‘How to Rent’ Guide which must be provided to all new or renewing tenants in England.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
On Tuesday 26th June 2018, the government published an updated version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide. This is the second update this year, the previous one being 17th January 2018.
All new or renewing tenants in England must receive the most current version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide from their landlord at the start of their tenancy. Therefore, if you have a new or renewing tenant who signed their tenancy agreement on or after 26th June 2018, this new version must be given.
You should ensure that your tenants sign to acknowledge receipt of all documents that you give (please see page 6 of the ‘How to Rent’ guide). There is space for your tenant to sign for receipt of these documents at the back of the SWLA Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement.
If you do not prescribe the correct documents to your tenant, a Section 21 Possession Notice would be invalid and any application for possession would be thrown out if it goes to court.
If you have a tenancy that started 25th June 2018 or before, there is no need to give your tenant this new version but there is nothing stopping you doing so. It’s a great way to remind tenants of their responsibilities.
