On 26th June 2018, the government published a series of new and updated online guides for private landlords and tenants. The new publications included a How to Let guide and an updated How to Rent guide which must be issued to tenants at the start (or renewal) of an assured shorthold tenancy.
In order to continue to improve standards in the private rented sector, the series of guides have been produced in partnership with private landlord, tenant and managing agent groups and local housing authorities.
The new How to Let guide includes checklists for new and existing landlords to help them comply with their legal responsibilities. It covers all areas, including how to protect tenancy deposits, carry out gas safety checks and install smoke and carbon dioxide alarms.
The aim of the guide is to advise private landlords that are letting under an assured shorthold tenancy in England. It does not cover leasehold, holiday lets or ‘resident landlords’ who let to lodgers.
Because the How to Let publication is only an information guide for landlords, it does not need to be issued to tenants.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE* In 2019, the government updated the guide to include important information on the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Download the How to Let Guide for Landlords
In addition to the government’s guide, we have produced our own free-to-download landlord checklist which you may find helpful when renting out your property for the first time.
You can download both by filling out the form below.
The series of guides that are available to download from the government website include:
- How to Let (for landlords)
- How to Lease (for leaseholders)
- How to Rent a Safe Home (information only for tenants)
- How to Rent (this must be issued to tenants at the start of a new tenancy and on renewal)
Former Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP said:
“Every day across the country thousands of people move house – from young people leaving home for the first time, to those relocating after years in the same property.
“Whatever the circumstance, we want to ensure renters, landlords and leaseholders are armed with information, so they know their rights, responsibilities and can challenge poor behaviour."
If you wish to discuss the new How to Let guide with a member of the landlord team, please contact us on 0333 577 8888.
