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First-Time Landlord Lettings Checklist

Book Valuation

Everything a First-Time Landlord Needs to Think About Before Letting Their Property

If you don’t know what to do with a property which has suddenly come into your possession, letting it via an agency can be a good extra source of income. However, becoming a landlord unexpectedly can be a daunting prospect.

There’s a lot to consider when becoming a first-time landlord – if you neglect to complete certain tasks, you could fall foul of legislation and face fines or, worse, prosecution. It’s a good idea then, to review our comprehensive checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything out.

Before Letting the Property

  • Clean the property
  • Carry out improvements and decorate if needed
  • Ensure the Energy Performance Certificate is valid and get a new one done if not
  • Ensure the Gas Safety Certificate is valid and get a new one done if not
  • Have an Electric Installation Condition Report (EICR) compiled
  • Ensure working smoke detectors are installed on each floor
  • Ensure a working carbon monoxide detector is installed in any room using solid fuel
  • Have risk assessments for fire, legionella and asbestos completed
  • Ensure that building and/or landlord insurance is valid and get new insurance if not
  • Set up a self-assessment tax account with HMRC as a business owner
  • Compile inventory of contents
  • Take photographs to advertise the property
  • Decide whether smokers and/or pets are acceptable
  • Prepare an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement and other documents to be signed

When a Tenant Has Been Found

Ensure the tenant provides the following:

  • References
  • The full specified deposit amount
  • Evidence that they have the legal right to rent in the UK

When all parties have confirmed they would like to move forward:

  • Create and jointly sign Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
  • Jointly sign guarantor’s form with guarantor if needed
  • Get written confirmation from tenant they are happy to receive letting documents by email
  • Jointly sign inventory
  • Get tenant’s contact details
  • Take deposit from tenant
  • Take first month’s rent from tenant
  • Tenant to set up direct debit with you for rent
  • Take meter readings
  • Notify local council Council Tax Department of new tenants
  • Notify utilities companies
  • Protect deposit within 30 days of receiving it

Provide the tenant with the following:

  • Signed hard copy of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement
  • Signed hard copy of the Guarantors Agreement (if needed)
  • Signed hard copy of the contents inventory
  • Your contact details
  • Your bank details for direct debit
  • Signed hard copy of current Energy Performance Certificate
  • Signed hard copy of current Gas Safety Certificate
  • Up-to-date copy of the “How to Rent – The Checklist for Renting in England” guide
  • Copy of current Electrical Safety Certificate if carried out
  • Copy of instructions for electrical and gas appliances
  • Certificate of Deposit Protection
  • Signed hard copy of Deposit Protection Prescribed Information and Clauses
  • Electrical Installation Certificate for any new or modified electrics
  • Minor Electrical Installation Work Certificate for any new or modified electrics that do not include a new electrical circuit
  • Deposit Protection Scheme information leaflet
  • Guarantors Agreement (if needed)
  • Copied evidence to prove tenant has a right to rent in the UK
  • Keys for all doors
  • Window keys
  • Keys to outside structures such as garages or garden sheds
  • Meter box key if applicable

 

During the Tenancy

  • Re-serve the most up-to-date copy of “How to Rent – The Checklist for Renting in England” between renewed tenancies if applicable
  • Re-protect deposit if you create a new tenancy agreement
  • Log all communications with tenant and create and maintain a letter/email trail
  • Respond to written complaints in writing within 14 days
  • Address anything that falls under your responsibilities

Periodic property inspections

  • Inform tenants at least 48 hours ahead of time
  • Note the condition of the property, jobs that need doing and any tenant concerns
  • Feed back your property inspection findings along with follow-up actions if required

At the End of the Tenancy

  • Serve the correct form of notice depending on the circumstances of the tenancy coming to an end
  • Ensure current tenants give access to prospective new tenants to view the property
  • Collect keys and any other items given to tenant
  • Take meter readings
  • Check inventory and list deductions
  • Tenant to sign list of deductions from deposits and amounts
  • Return whole/part of deposit

There’s a lot to think about when renting out one of your properties. We have the experience and knowledge to handle the vast majority of work on your behalf. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.

Arrange a free market appraisal

If you’re a landlord, looking to let or you’re just interested in how much your property might be worth, the best way to get an accurate and detailed understanding is through a free one-to-one appraisal with one of our experienced local agents. Request an appraisal with us using the form below.

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