1. Home
2. Landlord Guide

Landlord Guide

Ready to let your property?

Before you can hand over the keys to your new tenant, there are several things that need to be completed to ensure your property is fully ready to let.

This not only ensures that your property is safe for tenants, it also protects you from potential legal action and the possibility that you could face huge fines and be banned from being a landlord in the future.

Quality lets also attract the best tenants and highest rental yields, so maintaining high standards is not only good health and safety, and legal practice, it is also good for your bank balance.

How to make sure your property is ready to rent.

Safety First

Before letting your residential property, the most important thing to do is to ensure that it meets mandatory Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) requirements.

Once you are confident that your property meets these requirements, you can then apply for a license from the borough council it’s located in. This is something we can do on your behalf as your letting agent.

You can learn your full HHSRS responsibilities HERE.

Gas and Electricity

Gas and Electric Safety Certificates are a mandatory requirement for all rental properties.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) last for 5 years before it requires renewing.

Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed every 12 months.

Smoke Alarms

All rental properties must have a working fire alarm installed. If this is battery operated, once a tenant has moved in, they will be responsible for replacing batteries when required.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As of 1st October 2022, carbon monoxide alarms become mandatory in rental properties in every room with a combustion appliance such as a gas heater or boiler.

General Condition

Plumbing, waste, central heating and hot water systems must be in good working order and condition.

All external doors and windows must be secure and in good condition.

Landlords are responsible for maintaining these items unless tenant misuse is indicated.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

If you are supplying any electric appliances such as white goods with your rental property, PAT tests must be carried out on annually basis.

Internal Décor and condition

Interior décor, including, walls, ceilings, floors, and carpets, must be in good condition and professionally cleaned before letting. There must be no mould or damp in the property.

Bathrooms and kitchens must be fitted with an extractor fan to prevent dangerous mould.

Sinks and bathroom fixtures and fittings must be in good working order and any sealants in good condition to prevent water damage.

Furnishings

Although the majority of properties are let unfurnished, should you wish to provide any for your tenants, they must be in a good state of repair and meet current fire safety standards.

Habitable Living Environment

It is a legal requirement that all private rental accommodation must comply with The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

This includes all rooms having natural light and ventilation available.

Bathrooms are exempt from the natural light requirement; however, an extractor fan is required to prevent dangerous mould developing.

Find out the full requirements HERE.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

All rental properties are legally required to have a current EPC in place, before the property is even put on the market. EPC’s last for 10 years before they need renewing so you may already have one. If not, you will need to organise this.

If you would like us to arrange this for you, please contact us for a quote.