New ‘How to rent guide’ delayed

New ‘How to rent guide’ delayed

13:40 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago 9

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Publication of a new ‘How to rent guide’ for landlords and agents has been delayed.

It was expected that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) would unveil the new guide today (Friday) but this will not happen.

The latest version of the guide is the one that must be issued by landlords and letting agents to new tenants and those renewing contracts.

However, it hasn’t been updated since 21 July 2021.

‘Delayed publishing the latest How to Rent Guide’

Speaking of the delay, Nathan Emerson, Propertymark’s chief executive, said: “We understand that DLUHC have delayed publishing the latest How to Rent Guide.

“It’s vital that agents have clarity to ensure they issue the latest version of the document.”

He added: “We will continue to work with the UK Government and inform the industry of any further updates.”

Guide offers a checklist for tenants in England

The guide offers a checklist for tenants in England, and should landlords and agents not issue the current version, it can invalidate a Section 21 notice used to regain possession.

Propertymark has called for the guide to be published on a set day every year to help the private rented sector know whether a new version is available or not.

The new version of the guide is expected to include updated information on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

Other changes might include an update to the Code of Practice on Right to Rent Civil Penalty Scheme.

Propertymark also says that the new guide will have advice on Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and have information on fitting smart meters.

There will also be a section on ensuring the property is suitable if a tenant has a disability.


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Comments

NewYorkie

16:45 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

What if a tenant does not renew, but simply continues on a periodic?

Crouchender

18:34 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

How about a 'How to reduce Mould' guide for tenants from government!

Freda Blogs

18:52 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 17/03/2023 - 18:34
I send my tenants a Guide to Controlling Mould and Condensation along with the How to Rent guide, and I get them to sign to acknowledge receipt. However I suspect they don't read either of them...

PH

19:31 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 17/03/2023 - 18:34
That wouldn't take long as would just say "speak to landlord".

Pamthomp33

21:10 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 17/03/2023 - 18:34
Definitely.
Also, how the hell are you supposed to improve EPC rating to C in a victorian property with solid walls?

Reluctant Landlord

21:24 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Pamthomp33 at 17/03/2023 - 21:10
be cheaper to buy the tenant a thermal suit to wear lol!

Luke P

21:29 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 17/03/2023 - 18:34
We issue one with every tenancy and have done for years. Most councils have one (I have a couple of different versions), but the one I routinely issue is North Staffs Landlord Accreditation’s, which isn’t my area but that doesn’t matter…

http://www.landlordaccreditation.co.uk/downloads/Damp%20Leaflet%20Final%20amendments_FB%20V2.1.pdf

Reluctant Landlord

21:30 PM, 17th March 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Pamthomp33 at 17/03/2023 - 21:10
find a professional that agrees with your and is happy to write a report to say the same to show that whatever work is suggested (eg internal/external insulation for example) will work against the property and prove long term detrimental to the fabric of its being.

I forsee a boom in such persons being paid to write such reports....

Ian Simpson

9:08 AM, 18th March 2023, About A year ago

We just use the NRLA / My-Deposits one, in the hope and belief that this is updated regularly. One wonders if every time the Guide is updated, does it need to be re-served on to all the existing tenancies...? Mine would just use it to wipe their bottoms with or roll a reefer anyway, but we don't want to give the anti-landlord judges any more ammo than they have already....!!

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