FIRST TIME LANDLORD TO DO CHECKLIST

David Joyson

Written by

David Joyson

Home Insurance Expert & Customer Champion

Rachel Sanguinetti

Reviewed by

Rachel Sanguinetti

Digital Marketing Executive

Less than 1 minute

Updated: 20 Aug 2024

If you are interested in buying a property to let, leasing a second home, or renting out a room in your house, then this handy checklist can help you get started down this new path on the right foot.

Things to Consider

The rental market in the area

Like any business enterprise some market research should be top of your list. Here are a few things to think of before you get to work!

  • Are rental properties in demand in your area?
  • What are the most common groups of renters in the area? E.g. Families, students, young professionals.
  • How much rent is being charged for similar properties nearby?
  • Is your property suitable and in good repair to rent out now?

how you’ll advertise the property

Next consider how you would like to advertise the property. This will have an impact on the people that are interested in becoming tenants. For instance, students would likely want a furnished or part-furnished property, whereas a family might prefer unfurnished. Will you advertise online through websites with listings or go via an agent?

Other aspects to think about include:

  • Will you allow smokers?
  • Will you allow tenants to redecorate?
  • Will you allow tenants to keep pets?
  • Will you ask for a guarantor?
  • If you’re a live-in landlord, how will essential bills like food, utilities and council tax be managed?

managing your tenants

You need to lay the groundwork to ensure that the right processes and procedures are in place before you become a landlord/let tenants into your home.  

For example, every reputable landlord has the following things in place before letting out a property: 

A structured tenant vetting process 

It’s critical for landlords to vet their prospective tenants before allowing them to move in. This includes checking their ID and cross referencing that with proof of residency documents — as well as a credit check to make sure they can afford the rent on the property. Those that don’t vet tenants run the risk of legal trouble if any of the tenants aren’t eligible for residency or housing tenants that can’t keep up with rent payments. 

A tenancy agreement 

Tenancy agreements are crucial for protection — helping to guard you in case of property damage and missed rent payments, as well as guaranteeing a right of residency for the tenants. However, it’s vital that your legally-binding tenancy agreement runs in accordance with residential letting legislation and not contain unfair conditions for you or the tenants. 

Tenancy deposits 

Holding a deposit helps landlords protect themselves against bearing the cost of property damage. Landlords should take an inventory that outlines what’s in the house – like furniture and appliance, for example — and the condition it’s in, so the landlord can use these deposits for repairs in case of damage. 

UTILITIES, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Gas – ensure that all appliances are safe to use. You must provide the tenant with a copy of a gas safety certificate from a CORGI approved service.

Water – check the boiler, hot water supply, baths, showers, sinks and toilets.

Electricity – make sure that all appliances are working efficiently. Contact an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to carry out the necessary checks and provide an Energy Performance Certificate.

Fire – Fire Safety Regulations labels must be on all furniture in a furnished property. Fire extinguishers, fire safety doors and fire blankets should also be installed.

Find out more about safety regulations and legal requirements for landlords >>

ADVERTISING THE PROPERTY

The simplest way of raising awareness of your rental property is to work with an agency. They will take on the leg work for you and can arrange viewings, secure tenant references and investigate tenants for convictions, credit history, bankruptcy, etc.

SIGNING THE CONTRACT

It’s likely you will have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Take care that the terms of the tenancy are clearly laid out; this should include a clause on paying rent on time, maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of the property, terms for getting hold of you or the property manager, etc. You should also specify responsibility for utility bills, council tax and phone or internet services.

In most cases, you’ll also take a deposit. Usually one month’s rent, this will cover issues like unpaid rent or damage to the property. You should secure the deposit in an authorised Tenancy Deposit Scheme as this will be returned to the tenant at the end of their tenancy, assuming the property and relationship is without issue.

completing the necessary paperwork and checks

As a first-time landlord there are a few bits of paperwork to complete. You must declare your rental income to the Inland Revenue because you will need to pay additional tax. 

You should also arrange landlords insurance. Normal home insurance will not cover you in the event of needing to claim for an accident or damage to the property once you have let the property out. As soon as you have agreed who your tenants are, then you can arrange your landlords insurance. 

Homeprotect offers comprehensive cover for first time landlords with options of either just Buildings or Buildings and Contents cover if you are letting the property furnished. Public liability insurance cover is included in your policy. 

Download your landlord checklist.