How to Rent Guide for Landlords: What Replaced It in 2026

What is the How To Rent guide?

The How to Rent guide was a government-issued checklist that helped tenants in England understand their rights and responsibilities when renting. It helped answers questions regarding letting agent fees, security deposits, and the Right to Rent.

The guide was officially withdrawn by the government on 1 May 2026 following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and has been retained only for tenancies where the landlord served a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026.

All landlords were legally obliged to ensure that their tenants had received a copy of the How to Rent guide at the beginning of the tenancy which is no longer the case.

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When the How to Rent Guide Still Applies

The guide is withdrawn for new and ongoing tenancies, but it still matters for tenancies where the landlord served a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026.

The most recent copy of the How to Rent guide is available for download on the government website. However, for most tenancies you will no longer need to send this guide.

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Why is the How to Rent guide being replaced?

The How to Rent guide was originally designed to support a rental system built around assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), fixed-term contracts, and Section 21 "no-fault" evictions. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 dismantles all three, which made most of the guide's content out of date overnight.

From 1 May 2026:

• Fixed-term ASTs no longer exist
• Section 21 has been abolished
• Rent increases follow a new process
• New tenant rights have been introduced

Why was the“How to Rent” Guide important?

The How to Rent Guide was a checklist that gave tenants an overview of all the things that they should know before they move into a rented apartment or house.

It run through all the things a tenant should check before their tenancy starts to ensure everything is done legitimately and legally. This includes:

• Details of the salient paperwork such as the tenancy agreement and the inventory inspection.
• Whether the landlord needs and has a landlord licence
• Details on banned fees
• Ensuring they have received key information from the landlord, such as the electrical inspect certificate report (EICR), gas safety certificate, and energy performance certificate (EPC).

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What Else was is in the How to Rent Guide?

On top of detailing key rules and regulations that tenants need to be familiar with, it also explains and outlines the tenant’s key responsibilities. These include:

• Their responsibility to pay rent and any other bills on time
• Their responsibility to look after the property
• Not taking lodgers

The rent booklet also outlines some best practices, things that tenants should do routinely such as testing smoke alarms and reporting maintenance issues to the landlord.

Finally, it details the central responsibilities of the landlord, including:

• Carrying out repairs
• Checking electrical safety every five years
• Making sure the property is free from serious hazards such as damp or mould

The guide suggests landlords should get buildings insurance, check the property’s fixtures and fittings regularly, and make sure blind cords are safe by design.

The final section of the rent booklet focuses on what happens at the end of the tenancy and what to do if things go wrong.

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The Benefits of the How to Rent Guide For Tenants

For tenants that are new to renting the How to Rent guide explained many of the important nuances of renting in a simple and easy to read format.

• Helped tenants understand their responsibilities, such as their responsibility to pay rent on time and look after the property.
• It outlined details of the landlord’s responsibilities such as how maintenance requests should be dealt with and which party is responsible for what.
• It detailed what documents they should get at the beginning of the tenancy and what happens at the end of the tenancy so the renewal or move out process can be as smooth as possible.

The Benefits of the How to Rent Guide For Landlords

• Helped landlords keep on top of the latest legislation and what they needed to do to remain compliant
• Allowed landlords to legally retain possession of their property using a Section 21 notice (Section 21 no longer exists as a route to possession now).
• Educated tenants about the renting process which could improve relations and reduce queries

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When Was it Last Updated?

The How to Rent guide was last updated before being withdrawn on 1 May 2026 (for most tenancies).

The most recent meaningful update added information about:

• The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (which went live in August 2023, replacing the Housing Possession Court Duty)  
• Free legal aid advice

These changes were introduced with the intention of helping tenants make better educated decisions, and to promote transparency among landlords. 

Since 1 May 2026, the guide is no longer the active prescribed document - landlords should instead provide the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.

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Managing Compliance With Landlord Studio

Staying compliant with ever-evolving rental regulations can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be.

Landlord Studio makes it easy for landlords to stay on top of legal requirements like providing the latest Renters' Rights Information Sheet, renewing safety certificates, and more.

With Landlord Studio, you can upload and store essential tenancy documents, send compliance-related emails to tenants in just a few clicks, and set personal reminders so you never miss a crucial date. Streamline administrative tasks, stay organised, and ensure you remain compliant with rental regulations.

Create your free Landlord Studio account today to learn more.

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