Lettings Guide for Landlords

We have put together some information for landlords about letting your property.

Your property value

Your property’s rental value will be affected by many factors including the number and size of rooms, security and heating type. Keeping your property in good clean condition will increase the rental value and attract the right type of tenants. It is well worth painting the rooms in a neutral colour, cleaning the carpets, clearing away clutter and tidying up the garden before tenants come to view the property.

Property description

When you list your property try and include the following things:

• is the property furnished or unfurnished
• do you allow pets
• who is responsible for the council tax and how much is it
• room dimensions

Inventory

Before you let your property you will need to create an inventory containing descriptions of both room condition and contents. Digital photos can be very useful especially if a claim is made against a tenant’s deposit.

SAFETY REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION

Smoke alarms

If the property was built after 1992, building regulations require mains operated smoke detectors to be installed on every floor. Properties older than this are not required to have detectors though we would recommend they are fitted and tested regularly.

Gas Safety

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require landlords to ensure all gas appliances and gas installation pipe work owned by them are checked for safety annually by a registered CORGI engineer. The safety certificate must be available for the tenant prior to them renting the property.

Electrical Safety

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 require landlords to ensure all electrical equipment is safe. We would recommend a Portable Appliance Test be carried out annually by a registered electrician.

Fire Regulations

Landlords must comply with fire safety regulations by providing fire exits, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. This will depend on the type of property that you are letting out so check with the local council.

With effect from 1st March 1993, all upholstered furniture in rented accommodation must comply with the fire resistance requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

The regulations apply to furniture intended for use in a private dwelling, beds, headboards,  mattresses, sofa-beds, futons, nursery furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling,  scatter cushions and seat pads, pillows,  loose and stretch covers and furniture safety labels.

View more information about the regulations.

Energy Performance Certificate

It is now a requirement for landlords to provide an Energy Performance Certificate for the prospective tenant. This shows the energy efficiency (i.e. the running cost) and the environmental impact of the property (i.e. carbon dioxide emissions). 

View more information about energy performance certificates.

General maintenance

By law you must maintain the property and undertake any major repairs required. This includes anything that affects the structure and exterior as well as the electrical, heating, hot water and sanitary conditions.

Home Insurance 

Finally, if you are planning to let your former home, a standard home insurance policy will not cover you properly and may result in claims being rejected. You will need a special landlords' insurance policy but you should find that premiums are not much higher than on a standard policy.