The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government released a 13th update to the guide on 2 October 2023 that must be given to tenants for all new tenancies. This includes renewal tenancy agreements and when a statutory periodic tenancy arises.
Care needs to be taken when considering how to give the guide to a tenant, as unless the tenant has agreed to receiving documents by email, a hard copy must be given. If in any doubt, it may be worth taking legal advice on the point to avoid a technical defence being raised in any proceedings for possession. Failing to give a copy of the guide to a tenant will invalidate a section 21 notice.
A copy of the latest guide can be found at the following link:Â
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
- Post author
Alina De Heer
Alina has dealt with landlord and tenant disputes since 2014, and qualified as a solicitor in 2017. She acts for both landlord and tenant, companies and individuals, as well as managing agents, residents’ associations and Right to Manage companies, often appearing on behalf of clients in the local County Court.