How to Rent Guide
DocumentationA government document that must be given to all new tenants in England at the start of their tenancy, explaining their rights and responsibilities
How to Rent Guide is a government-produced document that landlords must provide to all tenants in England before an AST begins, explaining tenant rights and responsibilities. Required under the Deregulation Act 2015, failure to provide the current version invalidates Section 21 eviction notices. The guide covers deposit protection, Right to Rent, tenancy agreements, repairs, and ending tenancies. Download from GOV.UK.
Legal Requirement
Under the Deregulation Act 2015:
- Must be given to tenant before tenancy starts
- Current version must be used
- Proof of service required
- Section 21 notices invalid if not provided
Guide Contents
The How to Rent guide covers:
- What to look for before renting
- Questions to ask
- Right to Rent requirements
- Deposit protection
- Tenancy agreements
- Living in the property
- Ending a tenancy
- Dealing with problems
- Further information and contacts
Providing the Guide
Acceptable methods:
- Printed copy handed to tenant
- Email with direct link to PDF
- Link to current version on GOV.UK
Not acceptable:
- Old versions of the guide
- Verbal explanation only
- Link in tenancy agreement alone
Version Control
Important considerations:
- Government updates guide periodically
- Must use version current at tenancy start
- Keep evidence of which version was provided
- Check GOV.UK for current version
Why It Matters
If not provided:
- Section 21 notice cannot be validly served
- Must provide before serving Section 21
- Tenant can challenge eviction
Download Location
Current guide available at: gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent
For Letting Agents
Best practices:
- Check for updates regularly
- Include in automated tenant onboarding
- Keep proof of service (signed acknowledgment or email)
- Ensure correct version used
- Note: Guide applies to England only