Compliance
The How to Rent guide and documents landlords must give tenants
When to give the official How to Rent guide, what goes with it, and how it fits with your written statement and safety certificates.
Last reviewed: 15 October 2026 · About 8 min read · England only
How to Rent guide
The How to Rent: the checklist for renting in England is the government's official guide for tenants. For most private landlords granting an assured shorthold tenancy, you must give the tenant a copy of the current guide at the start of the tenancy (or when it is renewed, if you failed to provide it earlier).
Provide the PDF or a link to the edition published on GOV.UK at that date. Keep a dated record that you gave it.
Written statement
Separately, you must give a written statement of terms under section 16D of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended). That statement covers rent, deposit, property address, and other prescribed matters. See our written statement guide.
SignWise's tenancy agreement includes Part A as the written statement, so you are not duplicating two incompatible documents.
Other documents
At or before move-in, landlords commonly must also provide or ensure:
- Gas Safety Record — annual gas safety check; see our safety certificates guide.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — valid certificate; minimum standard rules apply to most lets.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — at least every five years for most tenancies.
- Deposit prescribed information — within 30 days if you take a deposit.
- Right to rent — checks before the tenancy starts; see our right to rent guide.
Move-in checklist
- Download the current How to Rent guide from GOV.UK and send it to the tenant.
- Sign the tenancy agreement and written statement; give the tenant their copy.
- Complete an inventory and check-in; see our inventory guide.
- Protect the deposit and serve prescribed information.
- Hand over keys, alarm manuals, and meter readings.
Frequently asked questions
- Which edition of How to Rent must I use?
- You must give the tenant the version of the How to Rent guide that is current at the time you give it. Download the latest edition from GOV.UK.
- What happens if I forget How to Rent?
- For assured shorthold tenancies, failing to provide the correct How to Rent guide can restrict your ability to use section 21 before it was abolished; you should still provide it as a core compliance step for any assured tenancy.
SignWise is a self-serve document preparation service operated by Ditra (established in Spain). SignWise is not a law firm, is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), does not provide legal advice, and does not carry on reserved legal activities under the Legal Services Act 2007 (section 12 and Schedule 2, paragraph 5). You prepare your document from your answers, review it carefully, and sign it yourself. SignWise is not responsible for legal outcomes. Seek independent legal advice if you are unsure whether a document suits your property or circumstances.
This guide is general information for landlords in England. It is not legal advice. Laws and official forms change; check the linked GOV.UK and legislation pages for the latest position.