The new version includes two minor amendments on pages 15 and 17 about the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS), explaining the service and signposting individuals to where they can find more information.
Prescribed information
Where agents have issued the existing version in advance of the tenancy start date, they should follow up by issuing the new version of the How to Rent guide, keeping evidence that it's been issued (preferably using a system that also shows that it's been delivered and opened).
HARD COPY OR EMAIL?
The guide must be given to tenants either as a hard copy or, if they agree, via email as a PDF attachment.
WHEN TO SERVE
It is worth remembering that at the start of a new tenancy or new Fixed Term, the most up-to-date version of the How to Rent guide will need to be reserved.
IMPACT ON SECTION 21
Failure to provide tenants with an updated How to Rent guide before serving a Section 21 notice, will mean that the notice is invalid, and landlords will be unable to rely on it.
WHICH VERSION?
If agents are in any doubt about whether they have given the correct version or format of the How to Rent guide it is advisable to send an updated copy of the guide to all tenants.
Visit the gov.uk website to download the latest version of the How to Rent guide →
