Yesterday Housing Minister Heather Wheeler announced the publication of two new guidance documents:

·         1 for local authority enforcement practitioners

·         1 for tenants and landlords.

The guide for tenants and landlords brings together the rights and responsibilities of each, and provides links to in-depth guidance on legislation. The guide aims to complement previous steps by the government including the “How to let” and “How to rent” guides.

Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP said: “This package of support for those working on the frontline of the private rented sector will ensure they are fully equipped to make use of any new powers which can improve the lives of tenants trapped in poor quality accommodation.

“This, along with our further guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, builds on the ongoing work which sets out to make renting fairer and more accessible for all whilst also ensuring that everyone has a home which is safe and secure.”

Responding to the new guidance published, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the guidance but criticised it for being long overdue.

·         Click here to view the Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector guidance

·         Click here to view the Rogue landlord enforcement: guidance for local authorities