10 point checklist for new landlords

Many people are turning to the property market for a second income by becoming ‘part time’ landlords. However, a significant number do not know or comply with the myriad legal obligations involved in lettings. Which is why we've put together a 10 point landlord check list for before renting.

According to a recent study by insurance group LV=, seven per cent of UK adults rent out a property to supplement their main income and nearly half (49 per cent) manage their rental property themselves without adequate protection to ensure they comply with the many legal requirements.

According to LV= almost 500,000 landlords have not had their property checked by a gas safety engineer in the last 12 months, risking prosecutions and fines of up to £20,000.

Carole Charge, Leaders’ Technical & Compliance Director says: “The income from letting a property is certainly appealing and buy-to-let is a great investment if it is done properly. However, there are 100+ rules and regulations that a property has to pass to be let legally and landlords must ensure they adhere to all of them to avoid large fines and even custodial sentences in extreme cases.

“Our 10 point checklist gives those new to letting an overview of what is required to fulfill your obligations to your tenants and protect your interests as a landlord.”

1. Gas, fire, furnishing and electrical safety requirements

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all gas appliances, electrical equipment, furniture and soft furnishings are maintained in a safe condition and that they all comply with the appropriate regulations; the tenant must also be provided with the correct current documentation.

Further Reading: 

• Landlords - are you ready for new electrical safety laws in April?

• Is it better to let a furnished or unfurnished property?

2. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

All properties being marketed as available to let are required to have an Energy Performance Assessment carried out and a certificate produced.

Further Reading: How to help your tenants make your property more energy efficient

3. Tenant vetting

Every tenant should go through a thorough vetting process; this should include a detailed assessment of the tenant’s ability to afford the rent, credit and ID checks, proof of residency and references from employers and former landlords. Stringent checks should also be carried out on guarantors if required.

4. Inventory and schedule of condition

A professional inventory and schedule of condition at the start of the tenancy is essential to ensure that you have an accurate record should you need to make a claim against the deposit for damage.

5. Tenancy Agreement

Tenancy agreements protect your interests as a landlord and must comply with residential letting legislation. They must be easy to understand, be written in plain English and contain no unfair terms or conditions.

6. Correct buildings and contents insurance

Most ordinary home insurance products do not cover rented properties so it is important to have the appropriate building and contents insurance for letting a property. Without the correct insurance you may not be able to claim and could face serious financial losses.

Further Reading: All you need to know about insurance for landlords

7. Dealing with late rent or rent arrears

You will need a robust system in place to chase rental payments to ensure you avoid late payments and act accordingly if they do occur. You must serve the correct legal notice at the correct time if your tenant falls into arrears with their rent.

8. Tenancy Deposits

Deposits must be protected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. You need to provide your tenant with the details within 30 days of the start of the tenancy.

9. Regular Property Visits

Regular and suitably documented visits to the property are vital, as well as ensuring someone is on call to deal with any maintenance issues, emergencies and the many calls that tenants make about the property.

10. Taxation on Lettings Income

Any profit made from letting a property is subject to UK income tax, whether the landlord lives in the UK or not, and must be reported in a Self-Assessment Tax Return.

Further Reading: A complete guide to taxes for landlords

Becoming a landlord can seem overwhelming, but a professional agent can help with all the above. Instructing an experienced agent can be a wise move to ensure all legal obligations are met and is the best way to ensure your interests are protected.

To get the rental value of your property book in a free rental valuation today.