How to Rent guide: what landlords need to know in 2026

As a landlord or letting agent, compliance with the latest regulations is crucial to running a successful rental business and fostering positive tenant relationships. One of the most important rules to be aware of is the mandatory provision of the ‘How to Rent’ guide to tenants at the beginning of a tenancy.

This guide, issued by the Government, helps tenants and private landlords understand their rights and responsibilities and forms part of the ‘prescribed information’ that landlords in England must issue at the start of any new tenancy, or renewal of a tenancy, within 30 days of receiving their deposit.

Here’s an in-depth look at what the ‘How to Rent’ guide includes and why it is essential for landlords and letting agents to comply with this requirement.

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What is the ‘How to Rent’ guide?

The ‘How to Rent’ guide is an official UK government checklist published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). It is designed to help both tenants and landlords in England understand the entire renting process.

Whether you’re a first-time renter or a landlord managing multiple properties, this guide simplifies what to expect before, during, and after a tenancy.

The guide includes comprehensive information on:

  • how to rent and what to check before signing a tenancy
  • rights and responsibilities during the tenancy
  • end-of-tenancy procedures
  • what to do if problems occur

The guide is regularly updated to reflect current legislation and best practices in the rental market and it’s mandatory for landlords to provide their tenants with the latest version, which can be found on the DLUHC website.

 

Why the ‘How to Rent’ guide is legally required

Since 1 October 2015, it has been a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents to provide their tenants with the latest version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide at the start of any new tenancy or renewal of a tenancy. Failure to do so can have significant legal repercussions, including:

  1. Compliance risks and possession delays
    If a landlord fails to issue the ‘How to Rent’ guide or provides an outdated version, this can affect their ability to demonstrate compliance with tenancy requirements.

    From 1 May 2026, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are abolished, meaning landlords must rely on valid legal grounds for possession. Failing to meet document requirements, including providing the correct information to tenants, may delay or complicate possession proceedings.

  2. Penalties and fines

    Non-compliance with this requirement can lead to fines and potential legal disputes, which can be costly and time-consuming. Find out more about penalties that are in place for landlords who don’t meet their obligations in our insurance partner, Total Landlord’s article, ‘Landlord fines: How much are the charges and how do you avoid them?‘

From 1 May 2026, changes under the Renters’ Rights Act mean landlords must rely on legal grounds for possession rather than Section 21, making overall compliance and documentation even more important.

 

Best practices for providing the ‘How to Rent’ guide

To be compliant and avoid legal complications, landlords and letting agents should follow these best practices:

  1. Use the latest version: Always download the most recent version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide from the government website before issuing it to tenants. The guide is periodically updated, and using an outdated version may not fulfil legal requirements.
  2. Document delivery: Provide the guide to the tenant either in hard copy or electronically. If sent electronically, make sure to obtain confirmation of receipt from the tenant. It is advisable to include this step in the tenancy agreement. If providing a hard copy, make sure to download it directly from the DLUHC website, so you can be sure it’s the latest version.
  3. Renewals and updates: If a tenancy is renewed, provide the tenant with the latest version of the guide. Also, if updates to the guide are published during a tenancy, it’s good practice to inform the tenant, although this is not a legal requirement.

 

How the How to Rent guide fits with the 2026 rental reforms

From 1 May 2026, major private rented sector reforms apply in England under the Renters’ Rights Act. These reforms introduce a new tenancy system and end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

This means the How to Rent guide should now be viewed as part of a broader compliance framework, rather than a standalone requirement.

Landlords and letting agents should also be aware that:

Because of these changes, it is important to review the How to Rent guide alongside:

  • tenancy agreements
  • deposit protection documents
  • prescribed information
  • and any new written information requirements

Taking a joined-up approach helps reduce disputes, improve transparency, and support compliance throughout the tenancy lifecycle.

Why following the ‘How to Rent’ process matters

  1. Informed tenants: Tenants who understand their rights and responsibilities are more likely to maintain the property well and adhere to tenancy terms.
  2. Reduced need for resolution: Clear information about the renting process can help prevent misunderstandings and issues requiring resolution during and at the end of the tenancy between landlords and tenants.
  3. Stronger compliance in a post-2026 rental system:
    From 1 May 2026, landlords must rely on legal grounds for possession rather than Section 21. This makes accurate documentation and clear communication more important than ever. Providing the correct version of the How to Rent guide, alongside deposit protection and tenancy documents, helps demonstrate compliance and supports landlords if issues arise.

 

What is the latest version of the ‘How to Rent’ guide?

Landlords should always download the latest How to Rent guide PDF directly from the official GOV.UK page. The Government states that this is the most up to date version of the guide and records changes in the update history on that page.

It is best not to store an old copy locally and reuse it without checking, because the guide can be updated to reflect legal and policy changes.

 

What was updated in the ‘How to Rent’ guide?

In the most recent update, pages 15 and 17 of the guide were updated with the details of the new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, which went live in August 2023, replacing the Housing Possession Court Duty Service. The service means that tenants facing eviction or repossession can get free early legal advice on housing, debt and welfare benefits before appearing in court, as well as advice and representation on the day of their hearing.

Prior to the latest update, the guide was last refreshed to reflect legal changes including the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in every room with a fixed fuel burning appliance, and that an electrical installation condition report must be provided to tenants.

Find the updated guide on the DHCLG website.

 

When should you provide the ‘How to Rent’ guide?

  • At the start of any new tenancy

  • When renewing an existing tenancy

  • Whenever a new version is released (optional, but encouraged)

 

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using an outdated guide

  • Failing to document delivery

  • Skipping the guide during tenancy renewals

  • Not downloading from an official source

 

Protecting deposits and staying compliant with mydeposits

Providing the correct version of the How to Rent guide is only one part of your legal responsibilities as a landlord. You must also make sure that any tenancy deposit is protected in a government authorised scheme within 30 days and that all prescribed information is correctly served to tenants.

From 1 May 2026, as part of the changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, compliance will rely even more on clear documentation and accurate processes. With the removal of Section 21 and the introduction of a new tenancy system, landlords must be able to demonstrate that they have followed the correct procedures throughout the tenancy lifecycle.

This includes:

  • protecting the deposit in a recognised scheme
  • providing the How to Rent guide and other required documents
  • issuing the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 where applicable
  • keeping clear records of communication and tenancy terms

Using a trusted provider like mydeposits helps landlords and letting agents stay compliant, manage deposits correctly and access support if a dispute arises.

Whether you choose an insured-backed option, where you hold the deposit, or a custodial scheme, where the deposit is held securely on your behalf, mydeposits provides a simple and compliant way to protect deposits and meet your legal obligations.

Join mydeposits today to protect your deposits and stay compliant with the latest rental reforms.

Conclusion

The ‘How to Rent’ guide is a fundamental aspect of the rental process in England, aimed at creating a transparent and fair renting experience. For landlords and letting agents, providing this guide is not just a legal obligation but also vital to establishing clarity with tenants and making sure that they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. By staying informed about updates and making sure tenants receive the guide at the start of their tenancy, landlords and letting agents can enhance their professional standards and avoid potential legal pitfalls. For more information on private rented sector legislation, Total Landlord, also powered by Total Property, has created a comprehensive guide, ‘Legislation for landlords: Everything you need to know’.

 

  • FAQs

    Frequently asked questions about the How to Rent guide

    • What is the 'How to Rent' guide?

      The ‘How to Rent’ guide is a legal checklist published by the UK Government for tenants and landlords in England. It outlines rights, responsibilities, and the rental process.

    • Is the How to Rent guide legally required?

      Landlords in England must give tenants the latest version of the guide at the start of a new tenancy, and they should check current GOV.UK guidance for when it should also be reissued.

    • Where can I download the How to Rent guide PDF?

      The latest PDF should be downloaded directly from the official GOV.UK website How to Rent page.

    • Can I email the guide to my tenant?

      Yes. Just be sure to confirm they’ve received it – ideally with a clause in the tenancy agreement.

    • What happens if I forget to give the guide?

      You may face compliance issues and delays if you need to regain possession of your property. From 1 May 2026, landlords must rely on legal grounds for possession, so having the correct documentation in place is essential.

    • How often is the guide updated?

      There’s no set schedule, but updates typically follow legislative changes in the rental sector.

    • Is the How to Rent guide the same as the How to Rent booklet?

      Yes. People often search for the How to Rent booklet, but they are referring to the same government guide.

    • What changes from 1 May 2026?

      From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act changes the tenancy system in England, ends Section 21 from that date, and introduces new written information requirements for tenants.

    • Do landlords need to give any other documents to tenants in 2026?

      Yes. In addition to the How to Rent guide, landlords should review the new written information requirements and the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 where applicable.

 

Complete your compliance with mydeposits

The How to Rent guide is just one piece of the compliance puzzle. Alongside it sit deposit protection, Prescribed Information, and a growing list of documents landlords must get right from day one. Missing any single step can undermine the rest, making it harder to demonstrate compliance when it matters most.

 

For landlords and letting agents

Providing the latest How to Rent guide only meets part of your legal obligations. You must also protect any cash deposit within 30 calendar days using a government authorised scheme and serve the correct Prescribed Information in the same window. Getting any part of this wrong can affect your ability to rely on legal grounds for possession. Join mydeposits now to tick off a key part of your compliance framework and access the documentation and support you need.

 

For tenants

Received your How to Rent guide but not sure what happens next? Your deposit protection details should follow within 30 days. Check your deposit here to confirm everything has been handled correctly and find out what to do if something is missing.

 

Alongside tenancy agreements and prescribed documents, mydeposits gives landlords, letting agents, and tenants a reliable foundation for a compliant tenancy, with impartial dispute resolution on hand if things do not go to plan.

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