Landlord Checklist

1. Before You Let the Property

• Check your mortgage lender and insurer allow the property to be let (buy-to-let consent).
• Decide whether you'll self-manage or use a managing agent.
• Set a fair, evidence-based asking rent — get a free valuation if unsure.
• Check if the property needs an HMO licence or falls under selective licensing in your council area.
• Arrange specialist landlord insurance — a standard home policy will not cover a let property.

2. Certificates & Safety Checklist

These are legal requirements, not recommendations — missing or expired certificates can block a possession claim and lead to fines.

• Gas Safety Certificate — required if the property has any gas appliance; renewed every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer; a copy must be given to the tenant.
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — required at least every 5 years, checking the fixed wiring and consumer unit.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — valid for 10 years; must be provided to tenants before they move in.
• Smoke alarms — at least one working smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation.
• Carbon monoxide alarms — required in any room with a solid fuel appliance (e.g. a wood burner), and recommended wherever there is a gas appliance.
• PAT testing — not a strict legal requirement for most lets, but strongly recommended for any electrical appliances you supply in a furnished let.
• Legionella risk assessment — recommended for water systems, particularly in larger or multi-let properties.

3. Right to Rent & Deposit Checklist

• Check and record every adult tenant's right to rent in the UK before the tenancy starts.
• Take a deposit of no more than 5 weeks' rent (or 6 weeks' if annual rent exceeds £50,000).
• Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
• Give the tenant the scheme's prescribed information within 30 days.
• Book a professional check-in inventory report before handing over keys.

4. Tenancy Agreement & Legal Paperwork

• Use an up-to-date tenancy agreement that reflects periodic (not fixed-term) tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act.
• Provide the "How to Rent" guide (or its successor document) at the start of the tenancy.
• Keep copies of the EPC, Gas Safety Certificate and EICR ready to share with the tenant on request.
• Record meter readings and take dated photos at check-in.
• Set a reminder to renew the Gas Safety Certificate every 12 months and check the EICR every 5 years.

5. Dealing With Tenants — Legal Do's and Don'ts

• Do give at least 24 hours' written notice before visiting for non-emergency repairs.
• Do respond to a tenant's pet request within 28 days and give a reason if refusing.
• Do return the deposit (or the agreed portion) promptly at the end of the tenancy, backed by your check-out report.
• Don't refuse an applicant because they receive benefits or have children.
• Don't accept or invite offers above the advertised asking rent ("bidding wars" are banned).
• Don't attempt to evict using a Section 21 notice — it no longer exists; possession must go through Section 8 grounds.
• Don't increase rent outside of a formal Section 13 notice, and no more than once every 12 months.

6. Ongoing, Every Tenancy Year

• Renew the Gas Safety Certificate (annually).
• Review the property against the Decent Homes Standard and fix any damp, mould or hazards promptly (Awaab's Law timeframes apply).
• Keep a record of all repairs, communications and certificates in one place — this is exactly what our Landlord App is built to do automatically.
• Declare rental income to HMRC and keep expense records for your self-assessment.