Government confirms October 1 introduction of Section...

The government has confirmed that new Section 21 regulations under the Deregulation Act will come into effect on the intended date of October 1.

This is despite a 'major drafting error' in the legislation, which was queried by the Residential Landlords Association.

There were doubts that the October 1 deadline – the same day Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 are being introduced – would have to be pushed back but the government says amendments have now been made to the wording of the legislation, and a new Section 21 form has been circulated for last minute comments from the industry and consumer bodies.

This means that, as intended, from October 1 at the start of a new tenancy a landlord or agent acting on their behalf must provide tenants with a valid Energy Performance Certificate, an annual Gas Safety Certificate and a copy of the government's How To Rent guide.

Failure to do this means the agent or landlord cannot serve a section 21 eviction notice.

The government's guidance on the new rules can be viewed here.

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