The obligations imposed on landlords letting property in the private rental sector are without question significant. Therefore, it’s essential that any landlord looking to manage a successful portfolio is aware of their obligations. Failure to comply with certain obligations could render a landlord unable to serve section 21 notices on their tenants.
With the rental reforms around the corner, it’s almost certain that landlords will lose section 21. Which is of course, a vital mechanism to gain possession of their property. So it’s crucial that any landlord looking to serve a section 21 notice now, has their property in order.
A quick checklist for landlords: –
- If the property has gas, ensure that gas safety checks are carried out every 12 months. A copy of the valid gas safety certificates must be provided to the tenant at the start of the tenancy and every 12 months thereafter.
- Provide a valid EPC certificate to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
- Provide the most up to date How to Rent Guide at the start of each tenancy and at the point when the tenancy is renewed or changes to statutory periodic tenancy. Important note – a new How to Rent Guide is being released on 17th March 2023!
- That any deposit taken, is registered, and protected within the required timescale, prescribed information served, and the specific requirements of the scheme complied with.
Landlord’s need to have complied with the above. But it’s also crucial that they have evidence proving compliance. That can sometimes be the tricky bit. It can be here where landlords fall down in their processes. They may run the risk of challenge to the service of a section 21 notice.
Before serving a section 21 notice, our team at Woodstock Legal Services carry out a thorough review of all the tenancy documentation. We’ll review evidence of compliance to ensure a valid notice can be served. As a result there is no risk that the court will determine the notice to be invalid, should possession proceedings be required.
Do you require any assistance in serving a notice? Please contact Woodstock Legal Services and our team will be more than happy to help.
