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Buy To Let

Government launches guide for private tenants

Joanna Faith
Written By:
Joanna Faith
Posted:
Updated:
10/06/2014

The government has published a new guide to protect tenants against rogue landlords.

The ‘How to rent guide’ aims to help England’s nine million private rented sector tenants understand their rights without introducing “excessive regulation” which, the government claims, would force up rents and reduce choice.

Housing minister Kris Hopkins said providing tenants with clear and useful information would “help root out the small minority of rogues and raise the game of any landlords who don’t know what is expected of them”.

The guide includes: advice and information on tenancy deposit schemes, bill payments and tenancy length; a checklist of what the landlord must provide tenants, including gas certificate and deposit paperwork; information on the requirements of the landlord to maintain the structure of the property and give tenants at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property; and the legal requirements for landlords and tenants on ending tenancies and returning deposits.

The launch comes as the government confirmed plans to require all letting agents to publish a full tariff of their fees – both on their websites and prominently in their offices. Anyone who does not comply with these new rules will face a fine – a much stricter penalty than currently exists.

“This government is turning up the heat on the small minority of rogue landlords that are not playing by the rules and giving tenants a rough deal,” Hopkins said.

To download the guide, click HERE.