Moving into a new rental home is an exciting step, but it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation from your landlord. These documents not only provide essential safety information but also help protect your rights as a tenant. Here’s a rundown of the six key documents your landlord should provide when you move into your new rental property.
1. How to Rent Guide
The How to Rent Guide is an official booklet provided by the UK government that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. This guide helps you understand the rental process, your landlord’s obligations, and what to do if problems arise. Your landlord must provide you with the latest version of this guide before your tenancy starts.
2. Gas Safety Certificate
If your rental property has gas appliances, your landlord is required by law to provide a Gas Safety Certificate. This certificate confirms that a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer has inspected the gas appliances and found them to be safe. You should receive this certificate at the beginning of your tenancy and annually thereafter to ensure continued compliance.
3. Deposit Protection Paperwork
Any deposit you pay must be placed in a government-approved Deposit Protection Scheme within 30 days of payment. You should receive documentation that outlines where your deposit is being held and how you can retrieve it at the end of your tenancy, assuming you meet the terms of your rental agreement. This paperwork also explains how disputes over the deposit will be handled.
4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of the property and gives you an idea of what your energy bills might look like. It’s a legal requirement for the landlord to provide you with an EPC when you move in, and the property must have a rating of E or above to be legally let.
5. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) shows the condition of the property’s electrical installations, such as wiring, sockets, and fuse boxes. This report is essential for your safety, ensuring that the electrical systems are in good working order. Your landlord should provide this document at the start of your tenancy, and the electrics must be inspected at least every five years.
6. Non/Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST)
A tenancy agreement is a crucial document that outlines the terms of your rental contract, including the rent amount, payment schedule, and responsibilities of both you and your landlord. It serves as a legal safeguard, ensuring both parties understand their rights and obligations.
By ensuring you receive these six essential documents, your landlord is not only complying with legal requirements but also helping to create a safe and secure home for you. If you don’t receive any of these documents, it’s important to request them as soon as possible. They are there to protect you, make your home compliant and ensure a pleasant rental experience.
Happy renting!
