The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities released a new version of the How to Rent Guide on 24 March 2023.
The new Guide, which can be found at the link below, must be given to tenants of new tenancies. It must also be given to all tenants where there is a renewal (including, arguably, a periodic tenancy), if the Guide has been updated at the time of that new tenancy. If in doubt, landlords should serve a copy of the latest Guide prior to serving a section 21 notice. A failure to serve the Guide will prevent a valid section 21 notice from being served.
Landlords must also note that unless the tenant has agreed to receiving documents by email (this should be set out in the tenancy agreement if possible), the Guide must be given in hard copy.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
If you any any questions about this blog please contact Alina de Heer, Solicitor in our Landlord and Tenant team