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Know your legal duties before letting. Stay compliant by actioning our clear checklist and essential guide to pre-tenancy legal regulations.
Prefer to watch? Press play on the video above for a quick overview or keep reading for the complete guide.
Letting property involves more than handing over the keys. UK landlords must meet strict legal standards before a tenancy begins. These rules help protect tenants and ensure rental homes are safe, efficient, and fully compliant. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to provide.
Before marketing, your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a minimum rating of E. This document rates your property's energy efficiency from A (best) to G (worst). Certificates are valid for 10 years. Need one arranged? We can help.
If your property has gas appliances, you’ll need a gas safety certificate. This must be renewed annually. Ensure your engineer is Gas Safe registered and qualified for all appliances on-site, including gas fires.
An EICR confirms that the wiring in your property is safe. A qualified electrician must carry it out, and it is valid for up to five years.
Install working smoke alarms on every floor. Carbon monoxide detectors are required near any gas boiler, fire or solid fuel appliance. Check they're working on move-in day. It's the law.
If your rental is furnished, upholstered items must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations. Look for a fire-safety label. Any item without it must be removed or replaced.
Some properties require a license from the local council, depending on the area and tenant setup. Check with our team or watch our separate video on licensing.
Unsure what applies to you? Our expert team can check your documents, arrange inspections, and guide you through each step. Don’t risk delays or fines. Contact us today to stay on the right side of the law.
Selecting the right agent for you should not be a difficult decision. Although you may find agents ability to deliver expert support, long-term, can vary. As a Landlord, you need to trust the agent to guide you through every step of the lettings process and manage your property once a tenant moves in. This is particularly important given the amount of new government legislation frequently introduced. Many carry hefty fines for non-compliance. The wrong choice can be costly, so please consider an agency's reputation carefully.
Over-valuing and setting an unrealistic rental price will cost you money. Rental prices can change almost weekly. So your chosen agent must demonstrate their knowledge regarding comparable properties competing for the tenant demand in the local area at the time of placing your property on the market. An agent with a high turnover of rental properties will show you recently let properties and the rent agreed. This will ensure a successful let within your specified timeframe and avoid an empty property.
With so many properties on the market, differentiating yourself from the competition is vital. Fantastic photos – perhaps utilising wide-angle and enhanced images – will help your property stand out on Rightmove & Zoopla. To maximise the interest, avoid agents that solely rely on the internet for tenant enquiries. Instead, choose an agent that combines excellent marketing with a proactive lettings team, who will utilise their rich database of tenants to maximise the interest in your property.
When it comes to advertising online, there are good, bad & ugly techniques like any marketing channel. Agents with an in-depth understanding of tenant behaviour whilst on property websites are at a distinct advantage. A strategic plan is strongly advised, instead of posting the advert and sitting back & waiting. Tie this with creating urgency before and on the viewings will give you the best chance of success.
Continual communication from the outset is key. Knowing how much activity your property has gained allows you to make informed decisions. It can be the difference between a let or a void period. Choose an agent committed to providing regular updates about the level of interest and feedback from prospective tenants.
It is your property; it is, therefore, your choice who lives there. Sometimes this may not be the person offering the highest rent. An open discussion with your agent about your preferences allows you to stay in control.
There are over 100 pieces of legislation that must be adhered to before a move-in takes place. Many of these carry hefty fines for non-compliance. Ensuring your agent informs you or actions them on your behalf means you will be protected before, during and after the tenancy.
Once let, and under property management's watchful eye, the information they provide from regular inspections is essential to the tenancy term's smooth running. These will help ensure your property is being cared for in the way you would wish. It also allows you to address any maintenance issues quickly and effectively to uphold the property's condition. Access to an online landlord portal will provide 24/7 visibility.
It is vital to ensure you retain all records, documents and statements relating to the tenancy. This not only protects you and your property against any damage once returned post-tenancy but helps with any personal tax obligations. These are now securely stored in an agent's online portal for easy access.
We genuinely care for customers, whether you are a current customer or thinking about using our services. Advice is always available from our Lettings Specialists. If there is anything you wish to discuss, please feel free to contact us. We can also help landlords looking to expand their portfolio, considering equity release or reducing your monthly outgoings, perhaps via a re-mortgage. Buy-to-let experts and Financial Advisers are available throughout the Robinson Jackson Group.
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Please note: Some fees may differ depending on the address of the property to be let. Contact us today for the specific fees for your property.
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