Private landlords may or may not be aware but on 1st October 2015 the law relating to Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements changed. Just over a year later it is a good time to reflect on those changes and the problems encountered since.
For any AST entered in to as of 1.10.15 there is now a requirement to provide the tenant at the outset with:
- The How To Rent document (a copy can be downloaded here)
- The Energy Performance Certificate relating to the property (a copy can be downloaded here if it exists)
- The Gas Safety Certificate
The above are in addition to ensuring that any deposit is protected within 30 days, and prescribed information is served within 30 days also of the tenant paying the deposit.
Private landlords may well already have held gas safety certificates and energy performance certificates but now if they are not provided at the start of the tenancy then no valid s21 Notice Seeking Possession can be served.
It is important to keep abreast of the ongoing changes in Landlord and Tenant law and you should seek legal advice before taking any steps if you are uncertain. Taking the wrong course of action could expose you to a costs order, meaning a County Court Judgment.
For further information please contact Phillip Coburn, Solicitor and Director, at pc@burdward.co.uk or 0151 639 8273