In the ever-evolving landscape of UK housing laws, staying updated is crucial for both landlords and tenants. Our latest blog post delves into the new 'How to Rent' Guide released by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on Monday 2nd October 2023. 

This comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone looking to understand their responsibilities and rights in a tenancy. From key deadlines for serving the guide to what the new 2023 update means for you, we've got it all covered.

What Is a 'How to Rent' Guide and Why Is It Important?

The 'How to Rent' Guide serves as a crucial document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Since October 2015, landlords are required to provide the most up-to-date version of this guide at various stages of the tenancy.

Updates to the 'How to Rent' Guide in October 2023

The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities released a new 'How to Rent' guide on Monday 2 October 2023. This guide includes references to the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, which replaces the Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes and allows tenants to access legal advice if they are at risk of losing their home.

When Must Landlords Provide the 'How to Rent' Guide?

Landlords are obligated to provide their tenants with the latest version of the 'How to Rent' guide at:

1. The start of any tenancy
2. The start of any extension agreement or renewal
3. For tenancies becoming statutory periodic

There is no requirement to re-serve the guide unless a new edition has been released.

Note: Failure to provide this guide before issuing a Section 21 Notice renders the notice invalid

Practical Example: When to Serve the 'How to Rent' Guides?

Let's consider a tenancy that began in November 2015 with a 12-month fixed term. An extension tenancy agreement was not signed until August 2021, with a 12-month fixed term.

When should the landlord have served the ‘how to rent’ guides?

Scenario Answer: When Should a Landlord Serve a “How to Rent” Guide?

• At the start of the tenancy in November 2015

• When the tenancy entered its statutory periodic term after 12 months as a new guide had been released

• At the beginning of the extension agreement in August 2021 as a new guide had been released

• A new guide had not been released when the extension agreement turned into a statutory periodic tenancy after 12 months, so the guide did not need to be re-served

Specialist Advice for Landlords from Woodstock Legal Services

We have substantial experience in all types matters relating to advising landlords on their legal obligations and the complexities involved.

If you are are a landlord seeking advice on the 'How to Rent' Guide, please contact Anna Hughes, head of our specialist Landlord & Tenant Team by emailing a.hughes@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or by completing the form below.