As a new landlord, renting out your property for the first time can feel quite daunting. For those that aren’t too sure where to start, we’ve created you the ideal checklist to get you going and to give you the confidence to get tenants in.
- Get your EPC rating sorted
As of 2025, all rental properties will be expected to have an energy rating of C, minimum - so we recommend getting ahead of the game.
If you know you need to improve your EPC, then we recommend starting with the following:
● Double glazing - by installing new windows you not only could be helping with those energy bills but also outside noise!
● Replace the boiler - look into getting an energy-efficient boiler. If you have an old double water tank system, look at investing in a combination boiler.
You can find out more great ways to improve your energy rating here.
- Get your Gas Safety Certificate
You can obtain a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 by booking an appointment with a registered gas safety company that employs an accredited Gas Safety Engineer for property inspections.
Prices can vary depending on where you live in the UK, who you end up going to, and how many appliances you have that need to be checked. We can help you with this.
- Get an Electrical installation Condition Report (EICR)
Your property’s electrical installation should always be covered by an EICR, and it’s a legal requirement to present a copy of this in-date certificate to new tenants. Get in touch with a surveyor to sort.
- Furnishing the property? Ensure you have your fire labels sorted
You may not know this, but if you provide furniture in your rental property, then some furnishings require mandatory fire labeling. For example; mattresses, cushions, sofas and garden furniture all need to be manufactured from fire resistant materials.
Landlords are not however responsible for tenant-owned furniture and appliances. This is why it’s always good to have a full inventory of appliances and furnishings you provide.
- Share a full inventory of what is provided in the property
Being open about what is in the property with the tenant, and having it on record/in writing, allows you to have a checklist for when they move out. This also helps with content insurance.
- Check the alarms
A legal requirement of any rental property is to have a fully functioning carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm. There must be a carbon monoxide detector in every room where there are appliances using solid fuels. For example, if the property features a fireplace, with real coal and wood, there must be a CO alarm in that room.
Ensure these are checked regularly, we recommend at least once a month, and it can be a great gesture to provide spare batteries to the tenants.
- Ensure there are no hazards
Check your property over in full, ensure there are no potential trip hazards, and any damage has been rectified, so that there are no safety concerns.
This is just to get you going, meet regulations, and rest easy knowing you’ve done all you can to make your tenants happy.
Good luck, and if you ever have any questions or need help with managing your property, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Charles, our Lettings Director.
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