The How to Rent Checklist was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 with the implementation of the tenancy reforms in the Renters’ Rights Act and the abolition of Section 21 of the Housing Act.
This article explains what landlords need to know about the How to Rent guide, after implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.
What landlords need to know about the How to Rent guide
What is the How to Rent guide?
The How to Rent guide was a document published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for tenants. It set out the rights and obligations of both renters and landlords, whether or not they use letting agents. It was a useful guide and explained their rights and responsibilities while they rented, and how the tenancy could be ended.
It was withdrawn when the tenancy reforms in the Renters’ Rights Act were implemented on 1 May 2026.
What’s the latest version of the last How to Rent guide?
The last version came out on 2 October 2023. It has now been withdrawn.
When must landlords serve the guide?
Landlords must no longer serve the How to Rent guide on their tenants before their tenancy starts.
Why was the How to Rent guide important for landlords?
The How to Rent guide was a very important document as landlords (or their agents) must give an up-to-date version to renters at the start of a tenancy. The landlord can provide it to the renter either as a hard copy or, if the renter agrees, as a PDF by email.
If the renters didn’t receive the How to Rent guide at the start or renewal of a tenancy, the landlord weren’t able to serve a valid Section 21 Notice. That said, they could provide it to renters late, so long as it’s before the service of Section 21 notice.
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