Unbeknown to many, since June 2014 there has been a very informative guide circulated by The Department for Communities and Local Government specifically aimed at tenants and landlords in the private rented sector in England to help them understand their rights and responsibilities. This guide (updated December 2020) is called:
How To Rent – The Checklist For Renting In England
It provides a checklist and more detailed information on each stage of the process, including:
- what to look out for before renting
- living in a rented home
- what happens at the end of a tenancy
- what to do if things go wrong
Overall this is a great starting point for anyone looking to understand their rights and responsibilities.
When you enter an assured shorthold tenancy – the most common type – you are entering into a contractual arrangement. This gives you some important rights but also some responsibilities. This guide will help you to understand what questions to ask, what your rights are, and what responsibilities you have.
Not only will this help you create a positive relationship with your landlord or agent, but it also tells you how to get help if things go wrong.
As of the 1st of October 2015 it became a legal obligation for your Landlord or Letting Agent to provide you with a copy of this booklet, so use the checklist and keep it safe to protect yourself from problems at every stage.
It would be great to know your thoughts on this guide in the comments box below.
