New Landlord Checklist

Legally required before marketing. Must be rated E or above (C by 2030 for new tenancies). Valid for 10 years.

A Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect all gas appliances annually. Must be done before tenants move in.

Required every 5 years for rental properties. Must be satisfactory before a new tenancy begins.

At least one smoke alarm on each storey. Must be working at the start of each tenancy. Landlord responsibility since 2015.

Required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, fire, etc.). Since 2022, this includes all fuel types.

Mandatory for properties with 5+ tenants from 2+ households. Some councils also have additional/selective licensing schemes.

Some councils require all private landlords to have a licence. Check your local council website.

You must verify every adult tenant has the legal right to rent in England before the tenancy starts. Fines up to £3,000 per tenant if you don't.

Standard home insurance won't cover a rental property. You need specialist landlord buildings insurance at minimum.

If the property is furnished or part-furnished, insure your contents. Not legally required but strongly recommended.

Covers lost rent if a tenant stops paying. Usually requires tenant referencing to qualify.

If you have a residential mortgage, you MUST get permission before letting. Better: switch to a buy-to-let mortgage.

Rental income must be declared. Register by 5 October following the tax year you first receive rental income.

Not legally required but makes accounting, tax returns, and expense tracking much easier.

Unfurnished is simpler (less wear and tear). Furnished can command higher rent but you're responsible for maintaining items.

All soft furnishings must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Look for fire safety labels.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires properties to be fit for habitation throughout the tenancy.

Landlords must assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in the water system. Usually a simple visual check for most domestic properties.

Document the condition of everything before move-in. Essential for deposit disputes. Use timestamped photos.

Use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement. Include rent amount, deposit, responsibilities, and notice periods.

Check employment, previous landlord reference, credit check, and Right to Rent. Use a professional referencing service.

You have 30 days to protect the deposit and provide prescribed information. Failure can mean 1-3x deposit penalty. Use DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits.

You must give tenants the latest government "How to Rent" booklet before or at the start of the tenancy. Required for valid Section 21.

Must be given free of charge before or at the start of the tenancy.

Must be given to the tenant before they move in, or within 28 days of the annual check.

Record gas, electric, and water readings on the day of move-in. Notify utility companies of the tenancy change.

Council tax becomes the tenant's responsibility from the tenancy start date. Inform the council to avoid being billed.