Don't let your first tenancy start without completing this comprehensive checklist. Missing any of these steps could expose you to legal liability or financial loss.
Becoming a landlord for the first time is an exciting milestone, but the legal and practical requirements can feel overwhelming. This checklist walks you through every step you need to complete before your first tenant moves in.
Financial and mortgage checks
Before anything else, check whether your mortgage allows you to let the property. Most residential mortgages prohibit letting without lender consent. You may need to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage or obtain a "consent to let" from your existing lender.
Check your buildings insurance policy — most standard home insurance doesn't cover rental properties. You will need specialist landlord insurance.
Register for Self-Assessment with HMRC if you aren't already registered. Rental income above £1,000 per year must be declared on a Self-Assessment tax return.
Safety certificates and inspections
Gas Safety Certificate: arrange an annual check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Keep the certificate to hand to provide to tenants.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): have a qualified electrician inspect all fixed wiring. Must be within the last 5 years.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): test all electrical appliances you are providing with the property.
Smoke alarms: install a working smoke alarm on every storey of the property.
Carbon monoxide alarms: fit in any room with a gas boiler, gas fire or solid fuel appliance.
Legal and regulatory steps
EPC: obtain an Energy Performance Certificate if you don't already have a valid one. Minimum E rating required.
HMO licensing: if you are letting to 5 or more people from 2 or more households, apply for an HMO licence before letting.
Register as a landlord: some local authorities require landlords to register. Check whether your local council has a registration scheme.
Preparing the property
Deep clean throughout — professionally if necessary.
Check all appliances are in working order: boiler, cooker, washing machine, dishwasher.
Test all windows and doors — they must open and close properly for fire safety.
Address any damp, mould or structural issues before tenants move in.
Consider professional photography if marketing the property yourself.
Tenancy administration
Draft or obtain a compliant Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement.
Collect references, employment verification and credit check.
Conduct Right to Rent checks on all adult occupants.
Collect deposit and register with an approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
Serve Prescribed Information to tenants within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
Provide the How to Rent guide (download the latest version from gov.uk).
Take meter readings on move-in day and notify utility providers of the new tenancy.
Conduct a thorough inventory and schedule of condition, signed by both parties.
Our property management service can handle all of the above for you. Contact Arete Lettings for a free consultation.