Following a postponed release date, the March 2023 version of the How to Rent guide was released on 24 March 2023.

The How to Rent guide makes up one of the prescribed documents that a landlord or letting agent must serve to all tenants at the beginning of a tenancy. The How to Rent guide is a document produced by the government which provides advice to current and any prospective tenants on the rental process and sector within England and Wales. The How to Rent guide is updated by the government and new versions are released when improvements or alterations are made to the guide.

Unlike the last 3 previous publications, the March 2023 version produces a ‘whole new’ version and hosts a whole new look.

Some of the changes made to the March 2023 version include information about:

  1. The Regulations introduced under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (Amendment) Regulations 2022;
  2. Electrical Installation Condition Reports; and
  3. Information about smart meters.

The most up to date version of the How to Rent guide must be served to all tenants at the start of each tenancy (including any renewal) and failing to do so before service of a notice pursuant to Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended) may render the notice invalid and could lead to a possession claim being dismissed.

For any advice relating to the new version of the How to Rent guide, please get in touch with our Property Litigation team and we will be more than happy to assist.