Want to let your own property

Want to let your own Property?  Landlord Checklist

When preparing to let your property yourself you don’t want to overlook something important. If you feel comfortable with organising and managing your tenancy yourself, use our checklist to help you. Whilst this is not comprehensive, it should give you the basis for planning the letting process.

• Make sure you have a valid energy performance certificate before any tenant viewings take place – This should be given to prospective tenants before a tenancy commences.

• You should obtain consent to let your property from your mortgage lender or lease holder and arrange suitable buildings insurance.

• You should find a Gas Safe registered plumber and arrange a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate or if you already have one, make sure it’s up to date and provide a copy to your new tenants before they move in

• Ensure any furniture and soft furnishings comply with current fire regulations

• Ensure the electrical system is safe and fit for purpose, and arrange PAT testing of any portable appliances you are providing

• You must check with your local authority to see if you require an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence for your property

• Ensure the tenancy agreement is up to date, covers all the required terms and obligations, is legally binding and correctly signed by all parties

• You should prepare a comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition, with photographic evidence, a digital inventory is best. This should be checked with tenants.

• Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted and all are working properly

• Notify your local authority of the new tenancy details for Council Tax purposes

• Arrange viewings and make sure you give all prospective tenants a “How to rent guide” (Legal requirement)

• You will need to rrange for all meter readings to be taken at time of move in/check in, and transfer utility bills to the tenant

• Get a duplicate set of keys cut for each tenant plus an extra set for your own use for property inspections, maintenance and repairs

• Its good practice to arrange for post to be forwarded on for any previous tenant or occupier of the property

• Ensure you have registered the deposit with one of the government- backed tenant deposit protection schemes and give a copy of the prescribed information to your tenant.

Contact HMRC with any questions about self-assessment, or for details about the NRL Scheme if you are or are going to be living or working overseas

There are many other things to consider and we can do this very easily, after all its what we best and have done for over 24 years.