‘How to Rent Guide 2023’ published by UK Government: Everything you need to know

When renting a property all tenants must receive a copy of the latest “How to Rent Guide” published by the UK Government. This is a mandatory document which landlords or agents must provide tenants with at the very start of their tenancy. This also applies if there is a new How to Rent Guide at the time of a tenancy renewal.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the How to Rent Guide:

What is the How to Rent Guide?

As explained above, the ‘How to Rent Guide’ is essentially an online government document that all tenants must be provided with at the start or renewal of their tenancy. The document outlines all their legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant as well as the legal obligations of their landlord. 

Failure to provide the How to Rent Guide means that a landlord cannot validly serve a Section 21 Notice seeking possession until the breach has been complied with and remedied.

What version of the How to Rent Guide should my tenants receive and how?

Tenants should always receive the latest version of the How to Rent Guide. At current, the latest version was updated on the 24th of March and can be found here. 

In regards to how they should receive the document, this is entirely up to the landlord. Some landlords go the traditional method of printing and sending the document to the tenant’s property. However, we would always recommend emailing tenants the latest link to the document, this ensures any changes made to the document during the tenancy will also be updated in the link provided meaning they always have access to the latest document. 

What changes have been made to the How to Rent Guide in March 2023?

The key changes to the How to Rent Guide 2023 include:

• Mandatory requirement of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms in the property where a combustible gas appliance is situated. This excludes gas cookers. 
• Approved identity service providers for UK/Irish citizens under the Right to Rent. 
• Code of Practice changes has also been made to the Right to Rent Civil Penalty Scheme for agents and their landlords. 

A full outline of changes can be found in the ‘How to Rent Guide 2023: Updated March 2023’

How can Taylor Bracewell help?

Here at Taylor Bracewell we understand being a landlord is no easy job and requires work around the clock to ensure compliance, this is why our team are always on hand to help. 

Whenever you are buying a new property to rent or dealing with a dispute with a tenant then our teams are always ready to help. If you require any further information, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01302 341 414 or by filling out our online enquiry form.