‘How to rent’ booklet update

‘How to rent’ booklet update

15:17 PM, 18th January 2018, About 6 years ago 13

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A new edition of the ‘How to rent’ guide written by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been released on 17th January 2018.

Please Click Here to download the full document which must be provided by landlords and agents to all new tenants.

The guide is for tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the process.  including:

  • what to look out for before renting
  • living in a rented home
  • what happens at the end of a tenancy
  • what to do if things go wrong

The booklet also confirms the following:

The landlord must provide you with

  • A copy of this guide “How to rent: the checklist for renting in England” as a printed copy or, if you agree, via email as a PDF attachment.
  • A gas safety certificate. The landlord must provide one each year, if there is a gas installation.
  • Deposit paperwork. If you have provided a deposit, the landlord must protect it in a government approved scheme. Make sure you get the official information from the scheme, and that you understand how to get your money back at the end of the tenancy. Keep this information safe as you will need it later.
  • The Energy Performance Certificate. This will affect your energy bills and the landlord must provide one (except for Houses in Multiple Occupation).

If your landlord doesn’t provide these, they can’t evict you until they do.

The landlord should provide you with:

A record of any electrical inspections. All appliances must be safe and checks every 5 years are recommended.

The landlord must:

  • Maintain the structure and exterior of the property.
  • Fit smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms using solid fuels – such as coal and wood – and make sure they are working at the start of your tenancy. If they are not there, ask your landlord to install them.
  • Deal with any problems with the water, electricity and gas supply.
  • Maintain any appliances and furniture they have supplied.
  • Carry out most repairs. If something is not working, report it to the landlord (or their agent) as soon as you can.
  • Arrange an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe engineer (where there are any gas appliances).
  • Give at least 24 hours notice of visits for things like repairs – the landlord cannot walk in whenever they like.
  • Get a licence for the property, if it is a licensable property.

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Comments

TheMaluka

15:55 PM, 18th January 2018, About 6 years ago

This was an update which was sneaked in under the radar with no announcement from HMG, yet another trick to catch unwary, or should it be weary, landlords.

Monty Bodkin

21:52 PM, 18th January 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Price at 18/01/2018 - 15:55
Yep, some civil servant has been "working" on this for months.
Something that has big implications for honest landlords (rogue landlords don't bother with such niceties).

But no mention whatsoever of a forthcoming update which could have so very, very easily been posted on their website.

A combination of government policy and civil service arrogance/ignorance of those running a business.

Hey Ho! David.
Take heart that we keep on top of these things.
Nonsense like this slowly drives out accidental landlords, deters newcomers and pushes up rents.

Demand is increasing and it doesn't look like changing anytime soon.

Luke P

10:36 AM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

Look at the two side-by-side...the changes are pitiful and barely worthy of a change.

TheMaluka

10:54 AM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 19/01/2018 - 10:36
From the content point of view I agree with you. But from a government perspective to try to thwart evictions using section 21 - priceless.
How many landlords will be caught out, how many used the old version on the 17th?
The only reason I spotted it is that I make the "How to Rent" site one of my home pages and check it every day.

Mark Lynham

10:59 AM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

am i right in thinking this is their 33rd update?

Luke P

11:23 AM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mark Lynham at 19/01/2018 - 10:59
Third version, I believe. I have the old ones stored for future reference.

Mark Lynham

11:32 AM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

i store them too as i just think this is a bit of a game for them to try and catch people out... the first one i downloaded this year was 'How_To_Rent_Jan_16(32)'

Gunga Din

18:32 PM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

I've read through it but not compared with the previous. What changes are there?

Luke P

19:17 PM, 19th January 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Gunga Din at 19/01/2018 - 18:32
Front cover DCLG to MHCLG. Piece about UC. Removal of London Rental Standard.

Rob Crawford

13:00 PM, 8th February 2018, About 6 years ago

I would appreciate some opinion on when the "How to Rent Guide" should be served. My interpretation that the latest version is served at the start if the tenancy. But does it need to be reissued after the fixed term if the same AST rolls on to become a periodic? Also, for any new versions do you have to issue these to existing tenants previously issued with an older version? There is no legal direction on this, so one would not be prosecuted if it was not served, however, it does impact on serving a section 21 if done incorrectly. The RLA opinion is here ( https://news.rla.org.uk/call-week-rent-guides-periodic-tenancies/ ) . On the basis that you don't have to reissue Deposit PI or re-protect the deposit, EPC, Gas Safe Cert, I am not sure I agree!

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