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Checklist for Landlords

IMAGE: A legend showing two box styles: a solid-bordered box labelled "Essential" and a dashed-bordered box labelled "Good Practice".

  • Register as a landlord. (Essential)
  • Inform mortgage lender. (Essential)
  • Check Tax implications. (Essential)
  • Ensure adequate smoke/CO2 detector provision is in place. (Essential)
  • Carry out electrical/gas checks. (Essential)
  • Inspect for Repairing Standard Purposes. (Essential)
  • Arrange Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – see leaflet in pack. Electrical Installation Condition Report and Portable Appliance Testing. (Essential)
  • Advertise for tenant. All adverts have to include your EPC indicator and your Landlord Registration Number. (Good Practice)
  • Arrange viewings, if property is occupied seek permission from tenant. (Essential)
  • Give draft lease agreement (this can be done electronically if incoming tenant agrees). (Good Practice)
  • Check references and emergency contact details. (Good Practice)
  • Agree method of communication with tenant - paper copy, by post, in person or e-mail. The new PRT can be signed digitally if both parties are agreeable. (Good Practice)
  • Create Model Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) adding own relevant information. Sign Tenancy Agreement either in person or digitally. (Essential)
  • Provide copies of EPC and Electrical Safety reports. It is the legal responsibility of the owner to ‘affix the certificate to the building’ in a place that is readily accessible ie within the electricity meter cupboard. (Essential)
  • Arrange payment of rent, deposit, if applicable. Lodge deposit with Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) within 30 working days of the tenancy start date– see leaflet in pack. Inform council tax of tenant details. (Essential)
  • Compile inventory list, take photographs of property/rooms/furniture. Make copy for the tenant to sign once they get keys. (Good Practice)
  • Just before tenant moves in, inform the utility company of readings and that new tenant will be moving in. (Essential)
  • Hand over keys. Inform tenants which TDS scheme has been used. (Essential)
  • Show tenant around property, how things work, stopcock, meters etc. Issue copy of inventory. (Essential)
  • Arrange settling in visit 6 weeks into tenancy (must give tenants at least 24 hours notice). (Good Practice)
  • End Tenancy:
    • Serve Notice to Leave form.
    • Form can be sent either by mail/ e-mail dependent upon what has been agreed with tenant by way of communication. (Essential)
  • Arrange leaving visit to provide tenant with information about what you will be inspecting/looking for and get forwarding address for tenants. (Good Practice)
  • Tenant vacates. Get keys back. (Essential)
  • Inspect property and check for damage.
  • Take photos as per inventory for evidence.
  • Take meter readings and inform utility company tenant has moved out. (Good Practice)
  • Contact TDS scheme for refund of deposit. Prepare property for re-letting. (Essential)

Please note that additional requirements may be necessary for HMO licensing.

This is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Landlords are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in relation to tenancy management.