Letting a property comes with more rules than many landlords expect, and they change from time to time. Getting the basics right protects you, keeps your tenants safe and helps the tenancy run smoothly. Here’s the checklist I go through with every landlord before a tenant moves in.
Before you market the property
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): you need a valid EPC before marketing, and the property must meet the minimum energy rating required for letting.
- Gas safety: if there are gas appliances, a Gas Safe registered engineer must check them every year, and the tenant needs a copy of the certificate.
- Electrical safety: the electrical installation must be inspected by a qualified electrician at least every five years (an EICR).
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: a smoke alarm on every storey, and carbon monoxide alarms where required, tested on the first day of the tenancy.
- Licensing: some London boroughs require a licence for certain rented homes, so it’s worth checking with your local council.
When you find a tenant
- Right to Rent checks: landlords in England must check that every adult tenant has the right to rent in the UK.
- Referencing: employment, affordability and previous landlord references help you choose the right tenant.
- Tenancy agreement: a clear written agreement setting out rent, responsibilities and notice periods.
- Deposit protection: any deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within the required time, and the tenant given the prescribed information.
- Required documents: make sure your tenant receives a copy of the written tenancy agreement, the EPC and the gas safety certificates before they move in.
During the tenancy
- Repairs: respond to repairs promptly and keep a record of what was done and when.
- Inspections: regular, agreed visits help you spot small issues before they become big ones.
- Renewals: keep your safety certificates in date, and plan ahead for renewals or rent reviews.
Rental rules in England are ever changing, so it’s always worth checking you’re up to date before a new tenancy starts.
Let me take care of it
If you’d rather not keep track of all this yourself, I can manage the whole process for you, from finding the right tenant to keeping every certificate in date. Get in touch for a free rental valuation and a chat about what’s right for your property.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content in this post. If you require specific legal assistance, please consult a qualified solicitor or professional legal adviser.
