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The New How to Rent Guide: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

  • Writer: andy354
    andy354
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read
The New How to Rent Guide: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

The government has published the latest version of the How to Rent Guide, and every landlord and letting agent in England should ensure they are using the most up-to-date version.

Providing the correct guide to tenants is an important part of the tenancy process and forms part of a landlord's legal responsibilities. Failing to issue the latest version could have serious consequences, including affecting your ability to regain possession of your property.

What is the How to Rent Guide?

The How to Rent Guide is an official government document designed to help tenants understand:

  • Their rights and responsibilities.

  • What to expect before, during and at the end of a tenancy.

  • How deposits are protected.

  • What repairs landlords are responsible for.

  • How to raise complaints if something goes wrong.

  • Information about renting safely and legally.

The guide is updated whenever there are significant changes to housing legislation, making it essential that landlords always provide the current version.

Who Must Receive It?

In most cases, landlords or letting agents must provide the latest version of the How to Rent Guide to tenants at the start of a new tenancy.

If the guide has been updated and a new tenancy agreement is entered into, the latest version should be issued.

It can usually be provided electronically where the tenant has agreed to receive documents by email, or as a printed copy.

Why Is It Important?

The How to Rent Guide is more than just an information leaflet—it forms part of the legal documentation associated with creating a tenancy.

Providing the correct documentation demonstrates that a landlord is meeting their legal obligations and helps tenants understand their rights from day one.

It also reduces disputes by making expectations clear for both parties.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Many landlords unknowingly fall out of compliance by:

  • Using an outdated version of the guide.

  • Forgetting to send it before the tenancy begins.

  • Not keeping evidence that it was served.

  • Assuming it doesn't need updating for new tenancies.

Keeping accurate records can make all the difference if compliance is ever questioned.

How PRS Database Can Help

As legislation continues to evolve, managing compliance manually becomes increasingly difficult.

PRS Database has been designed to help landlords stay organised by providing:

  • Secure online storage for tenancy documents.

  • Compliance reminders before certificates expire.

  • A central location for EPCs, Gas Safety Certificates and EICRs.

  • Easy access to important tenancy paperwork.

  • Tools designed to help landlords stay ahead of changing legislation.

Instead of searching through emails and filing cabinets, everything is stored securely in one place whenever you need it.

Stay One Step Ahead

The How to Rent Guide is only one of several documents landlords need to manage, but ensuring the latest version is provided is an important part of remaining compliant.

With further changes being introduced under the Renters' Rights Act, keeping your documentation organised has never been more important.

PRS Database is here to help landlords stay compliant, stay organised and stay prepared for the future.




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