How to Rent guide: when and how to serve it

What is the How to Rent guide?

The How to Rent guide is a government-published booklet that explains tenants' rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector. It is officially titled "How to rent: the checklist for renting in England" and is published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

It covers topics including what to look for before renting, what should be in the tenancy agreement, deposit protection, repairs, and what to do at the end of a tenancy.

Is it a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Notices and Prescribed Requirements (England) Regulations 2015, landlords must provide the current version of the How to Rent guide to all new tenants at the start of their tenancy.

This requirement applies to England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different rules.

What happens if you don't serve it?

This is the critical point: you cannot serve a valid Section 8 notice until the How to Rent guide has been properly served on the tenant.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, Section 8 is now the only route to possession (since Section 21 has been abolished). If you haven't served the How to Rent guide, you cannot begin the possession process at all. This makes it one of the most important compliance requirements for landlords.

Which version must you serve?

You must serve the version that is current at the date of service. The government updates the guide periodically (it was updated in 2025 to reflect the Renters' Rights Act changes).

If a new version is published during the tenancy, you must re-serve the updated version. The old version is no longer valid from the date the new one is published.

How to serve it

Best practice: Email the PDF to the tenant as an attachment. This gives you a timestamped record of delivery.

Valid methods:

• Email with the PDF attached (not a link)
• Printed copy hand-delivered to the tenant
• Printed copy posted to the tenant

NOT valid:

• Emailing a link to the GOV.UK page
• Telling the tenant verbally about it
• Leaving a copy in the property without confirming receipt

Keeping proof

You need to be able to prove:

• What you served (the specific PDF version)
• Who you served it to (the tenant's name)
• When you served it (date and time)
• How you served it (email with attachment, hand delivery, post)

If you email it, keep the sent email with the attachment. If you hand-deliver it, get the tenant to sign an acknowledgement. If you post it, use recorded delivery and keep the tracking receipt.

When to serve it

• New tenancies: Before or at the start of the tenancy
• New version published: As soon as practicable after the updated version is released
• Renewal or new agreement: If a new tenancy agreement is signed, re-serve the current version

Where to get it

The current version is available for free at GOV.UK. Search for "How to rent" or go directly to the MHCLG publications page. Always download a fresh copy to ensure you have the latest version.

How LetShield helps

LetShield's proof-of-service audit trail logs exactly when you served the How to Rent guide and which version you served. If a new version is published, LetShield flags that you need to re-serve it to all current tenants. This ensures you always have the evidence you need to serve a valid Section 8 notice.