{"id":1006,"date":"2021-07-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/articles\/pre-tenancy-landlord-checklist\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:18:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:18:29","slug":"pre-tenancy-landlord-checklist","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/tenants\/pre-tenancy-landlord-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Landlord checklist \u2013 what to do before renting out a property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preparing for the start of a new tenancy can be time-consuming and stressful for landlords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only do you need to make sure your property is appealing and comfortable for tenants, there are also a rising number of legal obligations to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you\u2019re an experienced landlord, or an accidental first-time landlord<\/a> just starting out, our pre-tenancy landlord checklist covers 12 key things you need to do when renting out a property in England to make sure it’s ready for tenants and complies with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landlord checklist \u2013 12 steps to preparing for a tenancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Follow our checklist below to get started with your new tenancy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Furniture and furnishings fire safety regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Electrical safety checks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Landlord licensing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Energy efficiency rules and EPC ratings for rental properties<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Gas safety certificates for landlords<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms in rental properties<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Landlord insurance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Referencing and Right to Rent<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Tenancy agreement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Deposit protection<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. How to rent and Prescribed Information<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Have you completed a rental inventory?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Furniture and furnishings fire safety regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    All landlords have to meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These rules mean upholstered furniture you provide such as beds, chairs, and sofas will need a fire resistant label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Loose furniture and upholstery like bed covers, curtains, and carpets isn\u2019t covered by the regulations, but it\u2019s important to make sure everything you provide is fire safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The rules don\u2019t extend to items the tenant brings to the property, but it\u2019s worth discussing fire safety when they move in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our fire safety regulations guide<\/a> has further information on how you can keep your rental property fire safe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    2. Electrical safety checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To make sure tenants are living in safe conditions, landlords have to comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To follow these rules, first introduced in 2020, you need to carry out electrical safety checks at least once every five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The checks need to be completed by a registered tradesperson and you\u2019ll need to provide a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to new and existing renters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Professionals completing electrical checks of your property will be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n