Landlords: 1 October deadline is looming

LANDLORDS

Do you have tenancies in your portfolio that started before July 2018?

All letting agents (and some landlords) will be aware that BEFORE the tenant takes occupation, the following documents MUST be served on the tenant(s):-

• A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• A valid Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable)

• The most up most date version of the "How to Rent Guide (England)". Currently version July 2018

Therefore, more than ever before, we MUST make sure that we can evidence the documents have been given to the tenant(s). BEFORE OCCUPATION.

Clearly there will be tenancies within your portfolios which began PRE 1st October 2015 - some may still be fixed term, however, the likelihood is that most of the tenancies will be periodic tenancies.

From 1st October 2018, all prescribed requirements that apply to post 2015 tenancies will apply to all assured shorthold tenancies and those that have become periodic that started PRE 1st October 2015.

This means that we shall have to issue the following will have to be issued on ALL tenancies that began PRE 1st October 2015:-

• A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• A valid Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable)

• The most up most date version of the "How to Rent Guide (England)". Currently version July 2018

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CAN EVIDENCE THAT THESE DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN SERVED ON TENANTS BY THE 1ST OCTOBER 2018.

REMEMBER THAT FROM 1ST OCTOBER 2018, THE FORM 6A (SECTION 21) WILL BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SERVE TO OBTAIN VACANT POSSESSION IN ENGLAND AS THE SECTION 21(1)b AND 21(4)a WILL BE OBSOLETE.

If you're not sure what these are, how to obtain them or how to evidence that you've given them to your tenants, please just get in touch. Better to be safe than sorry.

01935 277977 or 01460 477977

lettings@orchardsestates.com