English legislation due to come into effect on the 1st of October this year will mean tenants must be given specific details about their obligations and rights regarding any demand for money for an administration or service charge.

Parliament this week laid new measures which set out what information needs to be included in "summaries" that are sent out to tenants along with any demands for payment. If these "summaries" do not comply with the new measures, those asked for payment can withhold it until they do.

The "summaries" will mainly affect long leaseholders who are required to pay variable service charges under the terms of their lease - or to leases where the landlord can request payment of an administration charge. However, there is a chance this could affect other types of tenants depending on their circumstances fitting the bill.

Guidance for those issuing summaries will be available from the Leasehold Advisory Service later on in the year, and if any tenants are unsure if this change will affect them then they should seek advice from an independent source.

Housing Minister Baroness Andrews stated:

"The measures will ensure tenants are better informed about their rights and obligations. For too long, some people have been left unclear about what is expected of them and what they can do if they are unhappy with the charges. This new approach brings real openness and transparency to the process, helping residents up and down the country."

This is yet another move helping to safeguard tenant rights, hot on the heels of the Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme launched earlier this month.