New paperwork rules now in place

The introduction of the tenant fees ban last Saturday was widely publicised, but far less attention has been given to another important change that took effect on the same day. A new version of the mandatory How to Rent (HTR) guide was released, and landlords are required to provide this updated document to all tenants. Alongside this, a revised Form 6a—linked to provisions under the Housing Act 1988, Section 21—has also been introduced.

Although Section 21 remains available to landlords for now, it’s important to understand that it cannot be used unless all the correct documentation has been properly issued. Even a minor administrative oversight—such as giving a tenant an outdated version of the How to Rent guide—could prevent a landlord from regaining possession of their property.

There is also a subtle but significant change that may catch many landlords off guard. The updated Section 21 Form 6a cannot be served unless the tenant has first received the latest version of the HTR guide. Previously, it was sufficient for tenants to have been given the version that was current at the start or renewal of the tenancy.

Put simply, landlords can no longer rely on the Section 21 “no fault” eviction process unless they have provided tenants with the most up-to-date version of the How to Rent guide.

The new document can be found here.

As a reminder, here’s a quick checklist of the documents you should provide to tenants:

  1. The Government’s How to Rent guide – this can be supplied either as a printed copy or electronically
  2. A valid, up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate
  3. A copy of the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (unless you are letting individual rooms in an HMO)
  4. The prescribed information confirming how the tenant’s deposit is protected
  5. If the property requires a licence, a copy of that licence must also be given to all tenants

Here’s another important point to keep in mind: all documents must be the most up-to-date versions at the time they are issued. If you rely on printed copies or fail to keep your links updated, you could easily breach the rules without realising it. The key takeaway is simple—always use the latest How to Rent guide and the current version of Form 6a.

Of course, these changes are just part of a wider adjustment for landlords and agents. While organisations such as Shelter have welcomed the fees ban, industry bodies and ARLA Propertymark continue to highlight concerns that rents may increase as a result. ARLA Propertymark has also produced a Tenant Fees Toolkit, offering helpful resources, FAQs, and practical guidance to support those adapting to the new requirements.

As always, it’s important to stay informed. Keep up to date with trade press, follow guidance from your professional bodies, and ensure that everyone involved understands their responsibilities. What may seem like a small administrative oversight—such as using an outdated form—can have serious consequences. Maintaining professionalism throughout these changes is essential if the sector is to retain the trust and confidence of tenants and the wider public.