The checklist of things landlords must do before they rent out property is being reminded to them.

Lettings agents Douglas & Gordon have put together a handy list that landlords can work through to help the rental process go as smoothly as possible.

This includes checking legal documents, such as energy performance certificates. 

Also, it is a good idea to conduct a detailed inventory in order to prevent potential disputes later.

Landlords are being urged to make sure they up to date with the regulations and steps they need to take before renting a property

The Landlords should be up-to date on the rules and steps required to rent out a property. 

Warren McCann, of Douglas & Gordon, said: ‘A happy tenant will stay in a property for longer, reduce void periods and set up costs of a new tenancy. 

Avoid unnecessary conflict that could easily lead to more serious problems. Make sure you do your basics first and then make a plan.

Jeremy Leaf from North London said, “Landlords must be careful when letting property. Especially if they’re considering managing it. As there are reported to be 160 regulations that impact the lettings sector.

“Mistakes not only cost money, but can also lead to prison sentences.

Our checklist for landlords includes some useful information about the importance of inventories

Our checklist for landlords includes some useful information about the importance of inventories

He stated that letting agents had become compliance officers and were trying to strike a balance between tenants’ interests and those of landlords.

“Some landlords feel that they can manage their own affairs better than agents, but this is false.

“Landlords should ensure that the agent they employ is competent and experienced in order to minimize the possibility of having tenants who don’t pay their market rent on time or who leave at the right time. 

Here is the checklist for landlords, from lettings agent Douglas & Gordon… 

Energy Performance Certificate

Before a property can go on the market, it must have an Energy Performance Certificate.

These certificates assess the property’s energy efficiency and environmental impacts on a scale of A to G. To rent a property to a tenant, a landlord must have an E rating.

The EPC can be used for a period of 10 years. After that, it is not necessary to renew.

Electrical Installation Certificate Reports (EICR).

An acceptable EICR report is an additional legal document landlord must obtain before renting their property.

These will last five years but must still be in compliance with the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations. . The Institute of Engineering and Technology has published the 18th edition of wiring regulations. This is the most current update of the standards electrical installations must adhere to.

A qualified electrician will conduct a test on 10-20% of your house’s wiring. He will also inspect sockets, switches and the fuseboard.

All remedial work is required before the tenancy can be started.

Gas

An appliance must have a valid certificate of safety to be used on a property.

The certificates are good for one year. You will be required to provide a copy to your estate agent.

Tenants should have safe access to portable appliances

Douglas & Gordon suggests making sure this is the case by booking in a PAT test, which it says only needs to be done once a year.

Carbon and smoke alarms

Every property must have a functioning smoke alarm.

Carbon monoxide alarms may also be required if there are open fireplaces or other wood-burning appliances.

The Local Authority might require that the smoke alarm be hard-wired if the property needs a license.

Furnishings and fire

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 require landlords to ensure all furniture is labeled in accordance with these regulations. explains Douglas & Gordon

It includes all upholstered furniture as well as headboards, beds, mattresses, pillows and other items.

Referencing

It is a good idea for landlords to have all potential tenants referenced in order to make sure they will be the right fit for your property. You may be able to spot potential issues later on.

Licensing

The Housing Act 2004, which governs licencing, provides three options.

Mandatory House of Multiple Occupancy is a nationwide law that applies to homes with at least five occupants, from more than two households.

Additional HMO licensing is dependent on the borough and only applies to properties that have three or more residents from more than two households.

Selectional licencing depends on where the property is situated.

Cleaning

Some landlords might consider this an excessive expense, so it may seem tempting to leave this item off the list.

However, professional cleaning is a good way to set the expectation of how tenants will leave the property.

As Douglas & Gordon explains: ‘This helps with the inventory and sets a standard for the tenants when they move out.’

Check ins and Outs of inventories

An inventory is often overlooked during the hectic period of renting a property.

A professional inventory, however, can be quite useful if it is done by trusted people.

It can be used to reduce disputes over the current condition of a rental property after a tenant has left.

An independent third party trusted can inspect the inventory and create a schedule for check-ins and checks out.

Legionella

Landlords are responsible for taking all necessary steps to stop water stagnation that can lead to legionella growth.

This includes cleaning out any system that has been left empty, and making sure there is no debris in the system.

It also includes setting control parameters – such as setting the temperature of the hot water cylinder to ensure water is stored at 60°c – and making sure any redundant pipework is removed.

Blind cords

All blinds made with looped cords should have child safety devices fitted at manufacturing, or they will be sold as-is.

These features may not exist in blinds made earlier.

The Landlords should make sure they are safe and secure by attaching a tie, tensioner, or cleat. Tensioners and tie-downs should be securely attached to an adjacent surface, so the cord or chain can remain tight.

The cords should be fastened in the figure of 8 after each use of the blind.

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