In July 2018 the Government launched two landlord ‘how to’ guides along with the new ‘how to rent’ and ‘how to rent a safer home’ guide for tenants. The landlord guides have been launched with the aim of helping landlords to be aware of their rights and responsibilities within the ever changing legislative environment of the private rented sector. All guides are for England only.
How to lease guide
This guide provides current and prospective leaseholders with advice and guidance on the differences between leasehold and freehold property as well as the rights, obligations and implications of being a leaseholder. It appears to be a good learning tool for a novice.
The guide escorts a prospective purchaser through the process, from identifying the type of preferred tenure, through to sourcing a solicitor and identifying the service charges and ground rent. Pages 11 to 13 are informative checklists to help a purchaser make an informed decision.
Click on the following link to download the how to lease guide:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-lease
How to let guide
This guide is for current private residential landlords along with anyone interested in letting a property within the private rented sector. It focuses on landlords letting to tenants on an assured shorthold tenancy. The how to let guide has been designed to help landlords learn and understand their key legal responsibilities with the aim of helping a landlord create a positive relationship with their tenant. The guide does not cover leasehold, holiday lets or resident landlords who let to lodgers.
The guide gives landlords advice on how to prepare to be a landlord covering topics such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) and how to register an exemption if required, letting with a mortgage, tax obligations, accreditation schemes and houses in multiple occupation. Each section includes a helpful checklist for landlords making the journey towards legal compliance as a landlord.
Click on the following link to download the how to let guide:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-let
