If you are planning to let out a property in the Private Rented Sector, there is a considerable amount of work that you will need to do to ensure that you are compliant with legislation and that your property is safe and ready for tenant occupation. Our checklist is designed to help you get things in order.
The list is not exhaustive and you should ensure that, where appropriate, you have taken legal advice on your obligations as a landlord. Some of the items in the checklist are required by legislation, some may be required under the terms of any mortgage or a long lease (if a leasehold property) and some represent best practice.
For further information on the legal requirements to let property see our blog at https://www.aspireresidential.co.uk/news/landlords/33-landlord-legal-requirements
For further information on best practices for landlords, see our blog at https://www.aspireresidential.co.uk/news/landlords/31-letting-residential-property-best-practices
Action/checklist
⇒ Consent - if leasehold, obtain permission to let the property under the long lease.
⇒ Consent - Has mortgage lender and insurance company consent been obtained?
⇒ Safety - Ensure the property is safe for occupancy.
⇒ EPC - Ensure the property has an EPC rating of E or higher.
⇒ Insurance - Ensure landlord building insurance cover is in place including public liability.
⇒ Insurance - Consider rental guarantee/loss of rent insurance.
⇒ Client Money - Ensure client money is placed in a recognised depository scheme.
⇒ Gas Safety - If appropriate, make sure the property has a current gas safety certificate.
⇒ Carbon Monoxide - Where required, fit and test carbon monoxide alarms before a tenancy.
⇒ Smoke Detectors - Ensure the property has a sufficient smoke alarms in the correct locations.
⇒ Legionella - Conduct a legionella risk assessment.
⇒ Electrical Safety - have a current electrical installation condition report.
⇒ Electrical Safety - Ensure all appliances are PAT tested.
⇒ Furniture - If providing furniture with the property, ensure it meets fire safety standards.
⇒ Redress Scheme - If self managing, consider joining a redress scheme.
⇒ Complaints - Ensure tenants understand the complaints management system.
⇒ GDPR - Register with the Information Commissioners Office.
⇒ Contract - Prepare an appropriate tenancy agreement.
⇒ Contract - If letting leasehold, ensure the AST contains any conditions from long lease.
⇒ Tenant Checks - Undertake appropriate background checks including right to rent check.
⇒ Inventory - Conduct a pre-tenancy inventory. Include photographs.
⇒ How to rent guide - Provide the tenant with a "how to rent" guide.
⇒ Maintenance - Provide critical maintenance/emergency contact details.
⇒ Meter Readings - Take pre-tenancy utility meter readings
⇒ Maintenance - Ensure you kno your landlord repairing obligations under the LTA 1985.
Important note for landlords – The above blog is provided for information purposes and guidance only and does not represent the full extent of legal obligations and duties placed on landlords. Landlords should seek appropriate advice and, where necessary, legal advice before renting property in the Private Rented Sector. The use of information provided in this blog is subject to the terms and conditions of use of our website.
