Rules introduced three years ago for landlords will come into force on 1st October for all assured shorthold tenancies.
In October 2015, changes were made to section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 for tenancies in England. Extra requirements were introduced whereby a section 21 notice (two months’ no fault notice) could not be served unless the following had been given to all tenants:
These changes then applied only to tenancies in England granted on or after 1 October 2015 (including renewals).
From 1st October all shorthold tenancies tenants – including those granted before October 2015 – must have an EPC and a gas safety certificate.
The How to Rent booklet is not a requirement for tenancies entered into before 1st October 2015 (unless there has been a subsequent renewal) but advice from Cricklade-based mlettings is that a guide should also be included.
mlettings Managing Director Martin West says: “We strongly advise issuing a How to Rent booklet or guide, to avoid risk of any Court hearing being listed. This is a major change affecting all assured shorthold tenancies, which requires action from all landlords and lettings agents. To do nothing is not an option. With landlords’ increasing responsibilities and liabilities it is strongly advised to seek professional advice.”
mlettings is an ARLA accredited lettings agency specialising in managing property for landlords in the Cricklade, Swindon and Wiltshire area. For more information, email martin.west@nullmlettings.com.
At Optimum, our legal team can help with all landlord and tenant legal issues, shorthold tenancies, commercial leases and contracts, for private property and commercial property. For more details, please get in touch.
