Section 21 and the How to Rent Checklist

Residential landlords and letting agents should be aware that the Government has issued an updated How to Rent: the checklist for renting in England.

The checklist – How to rent – the checklist for renting in England – must be given to all new Assured Shorthold tenants before the start of the tenancy.

If a landlord fails to serve the correct checklist, they cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice when seeking to repossess their property. This is something that the Property Disputes team at Ashtons come across regularly, as landlords often do not realise that they must give a copy of the checklist to the tenant, provide an out-of-date version or do not serve an updated version when a new tenancy is entered into with an existing tenant.

This can be remedied before a Section 21 notice is given, so if in doubt, please get in touch with a member of the team.

The checklist provides guidance to tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. Landlords and letting agents of residential property should familiarise themselves with the checklist and ensure that they provide the most recent copy to their tenants.

Contact our property disputes solicitors today

If you have any questions or would like advice on the updated How to Rent checklist, please get in touch with our specialist Property Disputes team by using our online enquiry form or by calling 0330 404 0768.