The activist group Generation Rent is urging tenants to scrutinise the paperwork they get from agents to use against possible eviction. 

Failure to provide an array of documents makes a Section 21 eviction notice invalid.

In a poll – where respondents said whether they ‘remembered’ receiving documentation, rather than whether they definitely were or were not given it – the group apparently found:

– 23 per cent remember receiving a Government How to Rent guide at the start of their tenancy;

– 36 per cent remember receiving an Energy Performance Certificate;

– 44 per cent remember receiving a gas safety certificate; and

– 47% remember receiving information about where their deposit is protected

The poll was online only, conducted back in February, and involved 1,008 UK residents aged 18-plus living at the time in private rented accommodation.

Baroness Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, says: “Renting is so complicated, it’s easy for tenants to get mistreated by landlords and letting agents who may have no interest in having well-informed customers. 

“Tenancy deposits alone can involve a range of problems and it is not obvious when you should go to court, a protection scheme, a tribunal or the council to get yours resolved. 

“Although the system needs reform, renters have more protections than it appears, particularly if your landlord has failed in their responsibilities. This can be valuable knowledge now that eviction notice periods have been reduced and landlords throughout England are taking advantage.”