The Government has published an updated version of the How to Rent guide (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720041/How_to_Rent_Final_Jun2018.pdf).
The guide is aimed at tenants in the private-rented sector in England. It explains the implications of entering into an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) and provides information on legal requirements and protections given to tenants.
A landlord granting an AST in England on or after 1 October 2015 cannot seek a notice seeking possession of the property under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 unless he has 1) complied with the legal requirements and 2) provided the tenant with the prescribed information.
The How to Rent guide constitutes the “prescribed information” to be supplied by the landlord. A current version of this booklet must be given to the tenant prior to the commencement of the tenancy, either as a hard copy or by email.
In order to satisfy the “legal requirements,” the landlord must also provide the tenant with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and Gas Safety Certificate.
If you have any questions in relation to the above, please contact Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head LLP’s Property Teams, based in Epping and Loughton, on 01992 578 642. Further details on https://www.foskettmarr.co.uk/index.php/our-team/commercial-property-solicitor-essex/ and https://www.foskettmarr.co.uk/index.php/our-team/residential-conveyancing-essex/.