Your complete landlord checklist for renting out your property
If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, you’re in good company. With almost 3 million private landlords throughout the UK, you’ll be joining a rewarding and thriving profession. So, you already have your rental property but what do you do next? In this comprehensive guide from the experts at LetsProtect, we’ll take you through your complete landlord checklist for renting a house, flat or any other type of private dwelling.
A. Starting out
While it may be daunting, if you want to become a landlord, you will need to take several steps before your first rent-paying tenants can move in. With this comprehensive landlord checklist for renting a house, we’ll help make the process simple and straightforward, assuming you already have a property to rent. So, let’s kick off with the basics…
- Are you registered as a landlord?
If you’re renting a property in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, you must register as a landlord. To do this, simply click on the relevant link below:
- Register as a landlord in Scotland
- Register as a landlord in Northern Ireland
- Register as a landlord in Wales
If you don’t register to become a landlord in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and go on to rent out a property, you could be liable to prosecution.
If you’re renting a property in England, there are no legal requirements to apply to become a landlord. However, by joining the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) (currently £99 per year), you can enjoy exclusive benefits like advice, support and money off decorating supplies.
- Are you thinking of using a rental agency?
Using a rental agency can take away much of the legwork associated with becoming a landlord. They can take care of advertising your property, screening tenants, managing and assessing your property, performing negotiations and helping you understand regulations.
While all of this will lighten the load, you will need to pay them a fee which can vary depending on the work undertaken. If you’re looking to become a landlord, but don’t have much time to spare, using a rental agency can be a very attractive proposition.
- Do you have consent from your mortgage lender?
It’s always worth consulting with your mortgage lender before considering letting out a property. Failure to do so may mean you’re in breach of your contract, which could have serious consequences. They may also request that you have specialist landlord insurance, which takes us nicely to the next step in our landlord checklist…
- Have you changed your home insurance to specialist landlord insurance?
Upgrading your current home insurance to specialist landlord home insurance will provide you with additional protection against third-party risks.
- Do you require a licence for a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)?
If 5 or more people will be living in your property, you will need to apply for an HMO licence from your local authority. This only applies if they form more than one household. For example, a family of 5 would be classified as one household. In contrast, 5 people with no relationship to each other would be classified as 5 households.
- Do you know about taxation?
Another important item on your landlord checklist, you’ll need to understand your finances and how much tax you’ll pay. In this instance, it’s worth consulting a tax expert who’ll help you maximise your allowances and show you what you’ll need to pay.
B. Proving your property is safe
Once you’ve worked your way through the basics, you are well on course to become a landlord. Next, you’ll need to ensure your property meets all the required safety standards and that you obtain all relevant safety certificates.
- Do you have an electrical safety certificate?
You will need to employ a qualified electrician to perform an Electrical Installation Condition Report. You are also required to pass on a copy of this to any new tenants.
- Do you have a Gas Safe certificate?
You will need to employ a Gas Safe Engineer to check all gas appliances, plus flues and pipes. Once this is complete you will receive a CP12 certificate within 28 days.
- Do you have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC shows how energy-efficient your property is. Since 2018, any rental property must have an EPC of E or above. To obtain an EPC, you will need to book an assessment with an accredited assessor.
In July 2024, the new government announced that they would change the minimum EPC rating for a rental property to C or above by 2030.
- Have you undertaken a fire risk assessment?
If your property is set to be a HMO, you will need to perform a fire risk assessment. As a landlord, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants, as stated in both the Housing Act (2004) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005).
This can be done by you (you’ll find a fire assessment landlord checklist on the government website) and assesses what can be done to reduce fire risks in your property, plus how tenants would escape from the property, should a fire break out.
The assessment will consider various things, including the location of smoke detectors and extinguishers, fire-safe doors, escape routes from your property and other fire hazards (for example, any furnishings should conform to fire-safe standards).
You should review your fire risk assessment at least once a year.
- Is there a smoke alarm on each floor?
At least one smoke alarm must be installed on each floor of your property. This has been a legal requirement since 2015. It is your responsibility to ensure they are all in working order. Therefore, you must repair or replace any, as soon as they are reported as faulty.
- Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in place?
Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in all rooms that contain a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g. a fireplace, gas stove or boiler). They should be placed at head height, either on a wall or shelf, about 1 to 3 metres away from the appliance.
- Is your property fit for human habitation?
While this may seem an odd question, your property must conform to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This ensures that residential rented accommodation is provided and maintained in a state of fitness for human habitation and for connected purposes.
C. Getting your property ready
Once all safety checks and certificates are in place, you can start getting your property ready for tenants to move in. You’re now well on your way to becoming a landlord!
- Is your property in a clean and tidy condition?
Are all carpets and surfaces throughout your property clean? It may be worth employing a professional cleaner to come and do this for you.
- Have you checked that everything works properly?
While smoke alarms should already have been checked as part of your fire risk assessment, it is also worth making sure light switches, electrical sockets, heating, lighting and appliances all work as they should.
- Have you left instructions for your tenants?
Some things in your property, like the heating system, washing machine or oven, might not be as easy to use as you first thought. It’s a good idea to leave instructions that will help your tenants operate them.
- Are furnishings in good condition?
If you are supplying furnishings, you should make sure these are clean, fire-safe and in good condition.
- Does your property have “kerb appeal”?
One final thing to add to the preparation stage of your landlord checklist for renting a house is “kerb appeal” is the term applied to how your property looks from the outside. Make sure any garden is neat and tidy, and remove any waste.
D. Seeking and checking prospective tenants
Becoming a landlord isn’t all about ensuring your property is up to scratch. You will also need to form a good relationship with your new tenants and ensure they are suitable. So, this next stage is crucial.
- Have you set a fair rental price and deposit?
To set a fair rental price, look at the cost of other similar rental properties in your area. To cover any damages, you should set the deposit at a month’s rent for each tenant.
- Have you advertised your property?
Part of becoming a landlord is about self-promotion. If you don’t let anyone know about your property, how are you expected to attract tenants? Make sure any advertisements contain good-quality images of your property and all the information they need to make a decision and contact you.
- Have you checked your tenants' references?
Depending on their status, you should check the following before accepting a tenant:
- Credit check
- Previous landlord reference
- Employer reference
- ID (e.g. passport or driving licence)
- Proof of income
- Right to rent check—whether they have the right to live in the UK and are over 18 years of age
E. Beginning the tenancy/Moving tenants in
The final part of any landlord checklist for renting a house is what happens when tenants finally move in.
- Have you provided a tenancy agreement?
This is a legal agreement that lays down all terms and conditions to do with your property. This must be signed by both you, as the landlord, and any tenants.
- Have you supplied an inventory of everything found within the property?
You should have a full landlord checklist of items within your property (e.g. furnishings and appliances), along with a description of their condition. This will help avoid any disputes or issues when tenants leave.
- Have you contacted your local council?
Before becoming a landlord, council tax will be charged to you. You will need to notify your local council, so they can change the details and charge your tenants instead.
- Are your tenants’ deposits protected?
The deposits you receive from your tenants must be put into a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). This must be done within 30 days of receiving it. Find out more about Tenancy Deposit Schemes on the government website.
- Have you passed on the “How to Rent Guide” to your tenants?
As a legal requirement, and a key part of your landlord checklist, you must pass on a physical or digital copy of the “How to Rent guide” to your tenants. If you don’t provide them with this, you won’t be able to serve a valid Section 21 notice to regain possession of your property, should this be required.
- Have you started a rent book?
This will help you keep track of rental payments and notify you of any missed payments.
Your complete landlord checklist: A summary
If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, this comprehensive landlord checklist for renting a house will certainly set you on the right path. Of course, there will be other things you’ll need to plan for during the tenancy period. For example, it is worth informing your tenants how often you will carry out inspections (for which you will need to give at least 24 hours notice). There will also be times when you’ll need to fix things and make repairs. These things are all part of being a good landlord and maintaining a positive relationship with your tenants.
If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, you’re in good company. With almost 3 million private landlords throughout the UK, you’ll be joining a rewarding and thriving profession. So, you already have your rental property but what do you do next? In this comprehensive guide from the experts at LetsProtect, we’ll take you through your complete landlord checklist for renting a house, flat or any other type of private dwelling.
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